Ancient Wooden Tools from East Asia Reveal Early Human Foraging Strategies

Archaeologists have discovered the oldest wooden tools ever found in East Asia, dating back 300,000 years, which provide critical insights into the foraging behaviors of ancient hominins. This significant find was reported in a study published on July 3, 2025, in the journal *Science*, and underscores advanced cognitive skills and planning in early human societies.

The excavation, located at the Gantangqing archaeological site in Yunnan Province, China, revealed 35 wooden tools, including digging sticks and cutting implements crafted from pine and hardwood. According to Dr. Bo Li, a professor in the School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences at the University of Wollongong, Australia, these tools illustrate a sophisticated understanding of resource utilization among early hominins. "This discovery is exceptional because it preserves a moment in time when early humans were using sophisticated wooden tools to harvest underground food resources," he stated in a press release.

The tools were excavated from oxygen-poor clay sediments along an ancient lakeshore, which played a crucial role in their preservation. The sediments not only maintained the integrity of the tools but also retained traces of plant and soil materials, offering valuable clues about their usage. The researchers note that these artifacts represent a significant departure from the predominantly hunting-focused perspectives of early human adaptations previously observed in other regions, such as Europe.

The study highlights that these early hominins made strategic foraging trips to lakeshores, utilizing crafted tools for the extraction of edible plants such as tubers and rhizomes. This behavioral pattern indicates a level of foresight and planning that challenges the traditional view of technological conservatism among East Asian hominins. Dr. Li emphasizes that the idea of East Asian hominins being technologically conservative is rooted in earlier discoveries of simpler stone tools that seem primitive compared to those found in western Eurasia and Africa.

The dating of the tools was achieved using advanced techniques including infrared luminescence and electron spin resonance, developed by Dr. Li. These methods measure the age of materials based on their exposure to natural radiation, providing estimates that range from 250,000 to 361,000 years. However, while researchers have yet to identify the specific plant remains on the tools due to advanced decomposition, other findings at the Gantangqing site suggest that these early humans had a diverse diet that included berries, pine nuts, and aquatic tubers.

Overall, this discovery not only broadens our understanding of early human life in East Asia but also raises important questions about the adaptability and resourcefulness of ancient populations. It emphasizes the diverse survival strategies employed by hominins and suggests that, like their counterparts in Europe, they were not solely reliant on large-game hunting but actively engaged in gathering and utilizing plant resources.

This finding has implications for our understanding of human evolution, particularly in terms of dietary adaptation and technological development. As researchers continue to explore the implications of these tools, the Gantangqing site stands as a testament to the ingenuity and adaptability of early humans in a changing environment. The evolving narrative surrounding human prehistory reflects a complex interplay of ecological knowledge, tool-making skills, and strategic planning that paved the way for future generations.