Neandertal Tools

• Neandertals improved previous techniques by inventing a new variation, Mousterian.– They trimmed a flint nodule around the edges to

form a disk-shaped core. – Each time they struck the edge, they produced a

flake, continuing until the core became too small and was discarded.

– They then trimmed the flakes into various forms, such as scrapers, points, and knives.

Chatelperronian

• This is an Upper Paleolithic tool industry found in France and Spain, containing blade tools and associated with Neandertals.

• Neandertals are also identified with Mousterian tools (next slide)…

Mousterian (Neandertal) vs. Acheulian (Homo Erectus) Tools

• Mousterian is characterized by a larger proportion of flake tools than is found in Acheulian tool kits.

Review…Acheulean Tools Acheulean tools are typically

found with Homo erectus remains.

Lower to Middle Pleistocene It was the dominant technology

for the vast majority of human history and more than one million years ago it was Acheulean tool users who left Africa to first successfully colonize Eurasia.

Review…Oldowan tools

• The Oldowan is the first known industrial complex in prehistory. It takes its name from Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania

• Oldowan tool use is estimated to have begun about 2.5 million years ago (mya), lasting to as late as 0.5 mya.

• It is thought that Oldowan tools were produced by several species of hominids ranging from late Australopithecus to early Homo.