Earliest stone-tipped projectiles from the Ethiopian rift date to >279,000 years ago

PLoS One. 2013 Nov 13;8(11):e78092. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0078092. eCollection 2013.

Abstract

Projectile weapons (i.e. those delivered from a distance) enhanced prehistoric hunting efficiency by enabling higher impact delivery and hunting of a broader range of animals while reducing confrontations with dangerous prey species. Projectiles therefore provided a significant advantage over thrusting spears. Composite projectile technologies are considered indicative of complex behavior and pivotal to the successful spread of Homo sapiens. Direct evidence for such projectiles is thus far unknown from >80,000 years ago. Data from velocity-dependent microfracture features, diagnostic damage patterns, and artifact shape reported here indicate that pointed stone artifacts from Ethiopia were used as projectile weapons (in the form of hafted javelin tips) as early as >279,000 years ago. In combination with the existing archaeological, fossil and genetic evidence, these data isolate eastern Africa as a source of modern cultures and biology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Evolution
  • Ethiopia
  • Fossils
  • Hominidae*
  • Predatory Behavior*
  • Tool Use Behavior
  • Weapons

Grants and funding

University of Cape Town’s Center for African Origins initiative and the Paleontological Scientific Trust (Scatterlings of Africa Program) financially supported research. Wenner-Gren Foundation supported YS’s doctoral study. The Marie Curie Fellowship program supported LEM’s post-doctoral study. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.