Steinverktøyene

Steinverktøyene refers to stone tools created and used by early humans. These tools represent some of the earliest evidence of human ingenuity and technological advancement. The development of stone tools allowed hominins to process food more efficiently, hunt, and defend themselves, playing a crucial role in their survival and evolution.

The most common types of steinverktøyene include choppers, hand axes, scrapers, and projectile points. Choppers are simple tools with a sharpened edge, used for breaking bones or cutting tough materials. Hand axes, more sophisticated, are bifacial tools worked on both sides, useful for a variety of tasks like butchering animals and shaping wood. Scrapers, often made from flakes, were used for cleaning hides or preparing materials. Projectile points, attached to spears or arrows, significantly enhanced hunting capabilities.

The production of steinverktøyene involved techniques such as percussion flaking, where one stone (a hammerstone) was used to strike another (a core) to detach sharp flakes. The selection of specific types of stone, like flint or chert, was important due to their conchoidal fracture properties, which allowed for predictable and sharp breakage. The study of steinverktøyene, known as lithic analysis, provides invaluable insights into the cognitive abilities, social structures, and daily lives of our ancient ancestors. They are a fundamental part of the archaeological record, marking significant milestones in human history.