New findings suggest early humans were more developed and sophisticated than previously thought

A groundbreaking archaeological study reveals that early humans, approximately 300,000 years ago, possessed remarkable woodworking skills, as demonstrated by the analysis of a double-pointed wooden throwing stick discovered in Schöningen, Germany, three decades ago. This research, published today in PLOS ONE, sheds new light on early humans’ advanced techniques in woodworking, surpassing previous understanding.

The meticulous examination of the throwing stick indicates that it was meticulously scraped, seasoned, and sanded before its utilization as a hunting weapon. These findings suggest that early humans possessed a higher level of woodworking expertise and sophistication than previously believed.

Moreover, the study suggests that the creation of lightweight weapons may have facilitated group hunts of medium and small animals. The use of throwing sticks as hunting aids likely involved the entire community, including children.

Leading the research was Dr. Annemieke Milks from the University of Reading’s Department of Archaeology. Dr. Milks stated, “Discoveries of wooden tools have revolutionised our understanding of early human behaviours. Amazingly these early humans demonstrated an ability to plan well in advance, a strong knowledge of the properties of wood, and many sophisticated woodworking skills that we still use today.”

She further explained, “These lightweight throwing sticks may have been easier to launch than heavier spears, indicating the potential for the whole community to take part. Such tools could have been used by children while learning to throw and hunt.”

Co-author Dirk Leder added, “The Schöningen humans used a spruce branch to make this aerodynamic and ergonomic tool. The woodworking involved multiple steps including cutting and stripping off the bark, carving it into an aerodynamic shape, scraping away more of the surface, seasoning the wood to avoid cracking and warping, and sanding it for easier handling.”

The throwing stick in question, measuring 77cm in length, was unearthed in 1994 and is one of several distinct tools discovered in Schöningen, including throwing spears, thrusting spears, and another similarly sized throwing stick.

The exceptionally detailed analysis of this double-pointed throwing stick, conducted in this recent study, suggests that it was primarily used by early humans to hunt medium-sized game such as red and roe deer.

Additionally, it may have been employed to pursue fast-moving small prey like hares and birds that were otherwise challenging to capture. The throwing sticks were likely launched rotationally, similar to a boomerang, rather than thrown overhead like modern-day javelins, enabling early humans to achieve distances of up to 30 meters. Despite their lightweight nature, the high velocities at which these weapons could be propelled resulted in devastatingly powerful impacts.

The stick’s fine surface, meticulously crafted points, and signs of wear suggest that it was a personal tool used repeatedly rather than a hastily made implement that was casually discarded.

Principal investigator Thomas Terberger commented, “The systematic analysis of the wooden finds of the Schöningen site financed by German Research Foundation provides valuable new insights and further exciting information on these early wooden weapons can be expected soon.”

The well-preserved throwing stick is currently exhibited at the Forschungsmuseum in Schöningen, offering a tangible link to the early humans’ remarkable woodworking prowess.

Source: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287719

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