Early humans used stone spear points 500,000 years ago
- Published: 16 Nov 2012 at 03.47
- Online news: World
Early humans were already using stone tips to enhance the killing power of spears at least 500,000 years ago, some 200,000 years earlier than previously thought, anthropologists said Thursday.
Examples of experimental hafted points on wooden dowels, attached using Acacia resin and sinew, are pictured on November 14 in this photo provided by Jayne Wilkins. Early humans were already using stone tips to enhance the killing power of spears at least 500,000 years ago, some 200,000 years earlier than previously thought, anthropologists said Thursday.
Attaching stone points to spears -- a technique known as "hafting" -- requires more planning and effort than simply sharpening a stick, and was important in the development of early hunting weaponry.
This article is older than 60 days, which we reserve for our premium members only.You can subscribe to our premium member subscription, here.
