Steinverktøy

Steinverktøy refers to tools made from stone, used by early humans and in certain traditional contexts. These tools represent some of the earliest examples of human ingenuity and technological development. The creation of stone tools, known as lithic technology, involved shaping stones through processes like flaking, grinding, and polishing to produce functional implements.

The earliest stone tools, such as the Oldowan industry, date back over 2.5 million years and typically consist of simple choppers and flakes used for cutting, scraping, and pounding. Later periods, like the Acheulean, introduced more sophisticated bifacial tools such as handaxes. These tools were crucial for a variety of tasks including butchering animals, processing plant materials, and woodworking.

The materials used for steinverktøy varied depending on geographical location and availability. Common choices included flint, chert, obsidian, and quartzite, selected for their conchoidal fracture properties, which allowed for predictable breakage and sharp edges. The process of knapping, where controlled strikes detach flakes from a core, was a fundamental skill.

While largely replaced by metal tools, steinverktøy continued to be used in some cultures for specific purposes or in areas where metal was scarce. The study of steinverktøy provides invaluable insights into the cognitive abilities, subsistence strategies, and social behaviors of prehistoric human populations. Archaeological sites often yield abundant stone tool assemblages that help researchers reconstruct ancient life.