Kivitööriistade

Kivitööriistade refers to tools made from stone that were used by early humans. These tools represent some of the earliest evidence of human ingenuity and technological advancement. The production of kivitööriistade involved shaping stone through techniques such as striking, grinding, and abrading to create implements for various tasks.

The earliest known kivitööriistade date back to the Oldowan period, over 2.6 million years ago, and are characterized by simple choppers and flakes. Later, during the Acheulean period, more sophisticated tools like handaxes and cleavers emerged, demonstrating improved knapping skills and a greater understanding of stone properties. These tools were essential for survival, used for cutting, scraping, chopping, and pounding. They aided in activities such as butchering animals, processing plant materials, and shaping wood.

The selection of stone was crucial, with materials like flint, chert, obsidian, and quartzite being preferred for their conchoidal fracture properties, which allowed for predictable breakage and sharp edges. The study of kivitööriistade provides valuable insights into the cognitive abilities, social structures, and subsistence strategies of prehistoric hominins. Their ubiquity across different geographical regions highlights the widespread adoption and importance of these fundamental technologies in the human story.