The Levallois technique was all about precision. Neanderthals carefully shaped stone cores to produce tools with specific shapes. This method shows just how skilled and clever they were at making tools.
Acheulean Hand Axes
Acheulean tools, made by Homo erectus, were a big upgrade. These hand axes were shaped on both sides and used for cutting, digging, and hunting. They show that our ancestors were starting to think ahead and plan their work.
MOUSTERIAN TOOLS
Neanderthals took tools to the next level with the Mousterian tradition. These tools were specialized for tasks like hunting and scraping hides. They reflect how hominids started making tools for specific jobs instead of general use.
Upper Paleolithic Revolution
The Upper Paleolithic period, starting around 50,000 years ago, brought an explosion of creativity in tool-making. Tools became more specialized, including sewing needles and fishing hooks. These innovations reflect the expanding skills and ingenuity of Homo sapiens.
Hands-On: Oldowan Tool-Making
Step into the shoes of Homo habilis and learn how to make an Oldowan tool in this hands-on activity. Discover the techniques they used to chip stones into sharp edges, turning ordinary rocks into cutting tools. These simple yet effective tools laid the foundation for all future advancements in tool-making.
Oldowan Tools
Oldowan tools are the first known tools humans made, starting around 2.5 million years ago. These sharp stones were used for cutting meat and breaking bones for marrow. These simple tools were a game-changer for survival.
Hands-On: Upper Paleolithic Tool Challenge
Could you survive in the wild like our ancestors? This activity lets you practice with tools like a spear thrower or a harpoon. It’s a fun way to experience what life might have been like back then.
Tools and Teamwork
Tools weren’t just for survival, they helped humans work together. Group hunting and tool-sharing made life easier and strengthened communities. This station explores how tools were at the center of teamwork and bonding.
Modern Tools and Ancient Roots
The tools we use today have roots in those made millions of years ago. From stone flakes to power tools, humans have always been inventors. This station wraps up the exhibit by showing how far we’ve come.
Intro to Hominin Tools
Tools are one of the coolest things that separate humans from other animals. This exhibit shows how our ancestors started making and using tools millions of years ago. The timeline highlights major tool breakthroughs, while the tree shows which hominins created them.
