We use fire: Earliest blacksmith tools found in Africa

William Atkins
Monday, 17 August 2009 02:31

Science - Biology

This discovery of early humans using fire-fashioned tools adds to the evidence that ancient humans had very complex behaviors during this time (over 70,000 years ago).

Originating in Africa, these peoples displayed these complicated behaviors (and modern intelligence) before they moved to Europe (which happened about 35,000 years ago).

The abstract to their Science paper states, “The controlled use of fire was a breakthrough adaptation in human evolution. It first provided heat and light and later allowed the physical properties of materials to be manipulated for the production of ceramics and metals.”

“The analysis of tools at multiple sites shows that the source stone materials were systematically manipulated with fire to improve their flaking properties.”

“Heat treatment predominates among silcrete tools at ~72 thousand years ago (ka) and appears as early as 164 ka at Pinnacle Point, on the south coast of South Africa. Heat treatment demands a sophisticated knowledge of fire and an elevated cognitive ability and appears at roughly the same time as widespread evidence for symbolic behavior.”

For additional information on this study, please read the 8/14/09 Scientific American article “Hot Rocks Were Technology Revolution.”