Explore 3D models of stone tools and artefacts. Learn about different types of stone tools, flint-knapping, stone tool attributes, lithic industries, and human evolution.

In archaeology, lithic technology includes a broad array of techniques used to produce usable tools from various types of stone. The earliest stone tools to date have been found at the site of Lomekwi 3 (LOM3) in Kenya and they have been dated to around 3.3 million years ago. [1]

The Museum of Stone Tools is an online, open-access resource for learning about stone tools from all over the world.

Knapped stone tools are made from cryptocrystalline materials such as chert, flint, radiolarite, chalcedony, obsidian, basalt, and quartzite via a splitting process known as lithic reduction. One simple form of reduction is to strike stone flakes from a nucleus (core) of material using a hammerstone or similar hard hammer fabricator.

Jan 3, 2024 · The Early Stone Age in Africa is equivalent to what is called the Lower Paleolithic in Europe and Asia. The oldest stone tools, known as the Oldowan toolkit, consist of at least: Hammerstones that show battering on their surfaces; Stone cores that show a series of flake scars along one or more edges

May 30, 2019 · In 1969, archaeologist Grahame Clark defined a system hypothesizing the evolution of stone tools that is the basis for much of lithic studies today.

Dec 2, 2024 · Clovis lithic technology, a sophisticated stone tool-making method, blended biface and blade production. This innovative approach, key to the Clovis culture's success, offers insights into ancient craftsmanship. Explore how this technique revolutionized hunting and survival strategies, leaving a lasting impact on archaeological records.

Nov 26, 2024 · Stone tools are an essential part of human history, offering a glimpse into the past and providing valuable insights into the development of our ancestors. ... As time progressed, stone tool technology continued to evolve, giving rise to the Middle Stone Age and the Upper Paleolithic period. During these periods, humans further refined their ...

Nov 23, 2024 · The awl's design, with its slender and pointed shape, made it an ideal tool for precise and controlled puncturing. Awls were often used in conjunction with other stone tools, such as scrapers and knives, to create complex and decorative objects. 6. Spearhead. Spearheads are a type of stone tool that were specifically designed for use as weapon ...

Apr 1, 2025 · The Middle Paleolithic, or Middle Stone Age, occurred about 300,000 to 40,000 years ago and is considered a crucial time in human evolution. The period is associated with the origin and evolution of modern humans in Africa. ... The most distinctive part of the Quina system is the scraper — a stone tool that is typically thick and asymmetrical ...