Ancient Wooden Tools from Stone Age China Unveil Plant-Based Diets

Recent archaeological discoveries at the Gantangqing site in southwestern China have unveiled a collection of ancient wooden tools, estimated to be around 300,000 years old, which provide significant insights into the lifestyle of early humans inhabiting the area. The excavation, which took place between 2014 and 2019, revealed that these tools were utilized by hominins who likely adopted a plant-based diet, thriving in a rich tropical or subtropical environment.

The research team, comprised of experts including Dr. Bo Li from the University of Wollongong, Dr. Jianhui Liu of the Yunnan Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, and Dr. Robin Dennell from the University of Sheffield, carried out a meticulous analysis of the site. The tools, discovered alongside various animal and plant fossils, suggest that the inhabitants were skilled woodworkers, adept at crafting implements for harvesting local flora from nearby lakes.

"The wooden tools we found are exceptionally rare from the Early Palaeolithic period, particularly in areas outside Africa and western Eurasia," stated Dr. Dennell, emphasizing the significance of this discovery. Wood tools typically decompose quickly under normal environmental conditions, making such finds invaluable for understanding the technological advancements of early human populations.

Among the 35 identified wooden tools, most were crafted from pine, with some made from hardwoods. The tools exhibited intentional modifications, such as rounded ends and chisel-like blades, indicative of specialized uses. Notably, two large digging sticks were found, designed for two-handed operation, which represent a unique adaptation not documented elsewhere. Furthermore, the analysis revealed that a significant number of tools displayed signs of use, including scraping marks and polished surfaces, pointing toward their functional versatility.

Dating techniques employed by the researchers, including infrared stimulated luminescence, indicated that the sediment layers containing the wooden artifacts were deposited between 360,000 and 250,000 years ago. This timeframe is corroborated by the dating of a mammal tooth found in close proximity, which was approximately 288,000 years old.

The ecological context of the Gantangqing site further elucidates the lifestyle of its ancient inhabitants. Pollen analysis indicated a warm, humid climate, supporting a diverse range of plant life, including storable nuts, fruit trees, and aquatic vegetation. The evidence suggests that these early humans relied heavily on plant resources, using their wooden tools to excavate edible tubers and roots from the lakeside environment.

"The findings from Gantangqing challenge previous assumptions about the subsistence strategies of early hominins in different biogeographical contexts," explained Dr. Xing Gao from the Chinese Academy of Sciences. "Unlike northern sites where hunting large mammals prevailed, our evidence indicates a more plant-centric approach to survival in this region."

The implications of this discovery extend beyond the tools themselves; they highlight the sophistication of early human technology and its adaptability to varying environmental conditions. The Gantangqing site contributes to a broader understanding of Palaeolithic cultures, suggesting that the ability to craft and utilize wooden tools was a critical component of early human innovation. As such, the research emphasizes the need to reassess the role of organic materials in the technological evolution of hominins, juxtaposing it against the more commonly recognized stone tools.

In conclusion, the Gantangqing findings underscore the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in archaeology, combining insights from various fields to reconstruct the lifestyles of ancient populations. As ongoing research continues to uncover the complexities of early human life, the narrative surrounding the development of tool-making and subsistence strategies will undoubtedly evolve, reshaping our understanding of human history in significant ways.