Post by Sharon Faulkner on Oct 10, 2007 9:50:44 GMT -5
Hobbits mastered use of tools 40,000 years before modern humans
October 10, 2007
Hobbits were agile and smart enough to make stone tools used to fashion other tools, probably for hunting and butchering animals, a new study by Australian scientists has revealed.
More surprisingly, they did so at least 40,000 years before modern humans arrived on their home island of Flores in Indonesia, the study revealed.
The scientists studied wear patterns and residue on about 100 stone tools found with the remains of hobbits (Homo floresiensis) in Liang Bua cave by Australian and Indonesian researchers.
The researchers found evidence of plant work and butchery on stone flakes and cobbles from archaeological layers ranging from 12,000 to 55,000 years old.
The scientists also identified blood and bone on some tools. The team discovered the remains of fires and numerous animal bones, especially of baby stegodons (small elephants), komodo dragons and giant rats. The animal bones were found near tools and hobbit remains, and had cut marks indicative of butchery.
Full Article
October 10, 2007
Hobbits were agile and smart enough to make stone tools used to fashion other tools, probably for hunting and butchering animals, a new study by Australian scientists has revealed.
More surprisingly, they did so at least 40,000 years before modern humans arrived on their home island of Flores in Indonesia, the study revealed.
The scientists studied wear patterns and residue on about 100 stone tools found with the remains of hobbits (Homo floresiensis) in Liang Bua cave by Australian and Indonesian researchers.
The researchers found evidence of plant work and butchery on stone flakes and cobbles from archaeological layers ranging from 12,000 to 55,000 years old.
The scientists also identified blood and bone on some tools. The team discovered the remains of fires and numerous animal bones, especially of baby stegodons (small elephants), komodo dragons and giant rats. The animal bones were found near tools and hobbit remains, and had cut marks indicative of butchery.
Full Article
