【中国新闻网】中国旧石器时代西沟遗址发现东亚最早工具装柄技术 颠覆传统认知

Core Insights - The research on the Xigou site reveals over 2,600 stone artifacts that demonstrate a systematic production strategy for small stone flakes and the earliest known tool hafting technology in East Asia, challenging the long-held belief that East Asian Paleolithic culture was conservative and technologically stagnant [4][5][10] Group 1: Research Findings - The study indicates that the Xigou site, dating from approximately 160,000 to 72,000 years ago, provides critical evidence of technological innovation among ancient humans in East Asia [4][8] - The research team, consisting of over ten institutions from China and abroad, conducted an in-depth analysis of various aspects of the site, including dating, sediment environment, raw materials, and tool types, leading to significant breakthroughs in understanding ancient human technology [6][10] Group 2: Technological Innovations - The analysis revealed that the stone tools from the Xigou site exhibit both opportunistic and organized strategies for flake production, utilizing COF technology and discoidal core techniques to produce small flakes with clear pre-planned designs [8][9] - The tools identified include scrapers, drills, notched tools, serrated blades, pointed tools, and carving tools, with evidence of hafting techniques that suggest at least two methods of handle attachment, marking the earliest known use of composite tools in East Asia [9][10] Group 3: Cultural Implications - The findings from the Xigou site suggest that East Asian ancient humans developed complex cultural behaviors, including the use of prepared core technology, hafting techniques, and the production of bone tools, comparable to contemporary human behaviors in Africa and Western Eurasia [5][10] - The research emphasizes the need to reassess the significance of quartz and quartzite as raw materials for tool-making in East Asia, highlighting the advanced technical management capabilities of ancient humans in utilizing local resources [9][10]