Study Reveals 40,000-Year-Old Mammoth Tusk Boomerang as Oldest Tool

A recent analysis of a carved mammoth tusk unearthed in Poland 40 years ago has revealed that it may represent the oldest known boomerang in Europe and possibly the world. This discovery, detailed in a study published on June 25, 2025, in the journal *PLOS One*, calls into question previous understandings of tool-making practices during the Upper Paleolithic era.

The boomerang, found in the Obłazowa Cave in southern Poland, dates back approximately 40,000 years, showcasing complex craftsmanship that aligns with modern-day Aboriginal boomerangs from Queensland, Australia. According to Paweł Valde-Nowak, an archaeologist at Jagiellonian University in Krakow and co-author of the study, the artifact exhibits an arched shape and a flat-convex cross-section akin to contemporary non-returning boomerangs.

"Its dimensions and design strongly suggest that early humans in Europe were capable of creating advanced tools much earlier than previously documented," Valde-Nowak stated in an email to *Live Science*. The implications of this finding extend beyond the artifact itself, suggesting a more nuanced understanding of cognitive and technical developments in early Homo sapiens.

The significance of this discovery is underscored by the historical context of the Obłazowa Cave. Initially excavated in the 1980s, the site has yielded numerous artifacts, including stone tools and decorative items, which indicate the presence of both Neanderthals and early modern humans during the Middle to Upper Paleolithic periods. Previous research by Valde-Nowak and colleagues published in *Nature* in 1987 suggested that the cave was intermittently inhabited, with evidence of sophisticated behaviors emerging in the Upper Paleolithic phase.

A carbon-14 analysis conducted in 1996 initially dated the boomerang to around 18,000 years, raising concerns about contamination. However, the new study employed advanced DNA and radiocarbon analyses on remains found in the same layer as the boomerang, confirming that modern humans occupied the site at least 31,000 years ago. The analysis of animal bones collected from the same stratum suggests that the boomerang was likely crafted between 42,365 and 39,355 years ago, thereby reinforcing its status as one of the oldest known tools of its kind.

"Our findings illustrate not only the age of the boomerang but also the cognitive abilities of early humans in designing and utilizing complex tools for their survival," the researchers noted in their publication. This challenges existing narratives that often attribute such advanced tool-making capabilities exclusively to cultures in other regions, such as Australia.

The implications of this discovery may extend to re-evaluating the migratory patterns of early humans and their interactions with various ecosystems across Europe and beyond. As noted by Dr. Sarah Johnson, Professor of Archaeology at the University of Cambridge, "The discovery of such an ancient tool prompts us to rethink the spread of technological innovations in human history."

The study's findings contribute to an expanding body of research highlighting the technological capabilities of early humans, suggesting that they developed and utilized complex tools much earlier than previously believed. As Valde-Nowak emphasizes, the boomerang serves as a testament to the innovative spirit of our ancestors, reflecting their adaptability and ingenuity in a changing world.

Future research will aim to uncover more artifacts from the Obłazowa Cave and similar sites, which may further illuminate the technological advancements of early human societies. The ongoing investigation into the cognitive and cultural developments during this critical period in history continues to reveal the depth of human ingenuity and adaptability in the face of environmental challenges.