勾勒古人类生活图景

Core Insights - The Gantangqing site in Yunnan, dating back approximately 300,000 years, has yielded significant archaeological findings, including 35 well-preserved wooden tools, which are among the earliest known in East Asia and rare globally for the Paleolithic era [3][12][13] Group 1: Archaeological Findings - The site has produced nearly 1,000 wooden materials, with 35 identified as artificially processed wooden tools, primarily made from pine species, indicating a preference for coniferous materials by ancient humans [6][12] - The wooden tools exhibit diverse forms, with 32 showing clear signs of human modification, including pointed ends suitable for digging, and some designed for two-handed use [8][12] - Accompanying the wooden tools, a variety of stone artifacts, including small scrapers and pointed tools, were found, suggesting a resourceful adaptation to the local environment where stone materials were scarce [10][11] Group 2: Preservation Conditions - The preservation of organic materials at the Gantangqing site is attributed to its unique geological and environmental conditions, including a stable, water-saturated environment that facilitated rapid burial and anaerobic conditions [5][12] - The site’s sedimentary context, primarily river-lake deposits, played a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the organic remains, which are typically prone to decay [4][5] Group 3: Cultural and Technological Implications - The findings challenge previous assumptions about East Asian Paleolithic cultures, particularly the "East Asian bamboo and wood tool hypothesis," by providing concrete evidence of wooden tool production and usage [13][14] - The research highlights the complexity and diversity of early human survival strategies, including the use of both wooden and stone tools for various functions, such as digging for edible plant roots [12][13] - The study contributes to a broader understanding of early human technological capabilities and cultural practices in East Asia, marking a significant advancement in the field of archaeology [12][13]