The Spirit in Human Evolution - Waldorf Research Institute

Characteristic of the Olduway level of artifacts is the fact that there was clearly
no standard shape for specific functions, as there was in much later assemblages. The
shapes reflect rather the chance results of simply striking flakes from suitably shaped
pebbles. Earlier systems of classifying the results into complex ranges of artifacts have
now been simplified since the variety of shapes is now thought to reflect the vagaries of
early stone knapping, rather than a range of specific tools. The shaped stones did serve
numerous functions but these were predetermined in only a general way. Pebble tools are
relatively easy to make and modern experiments have shown how effective they are for
cutting tough animal hides and sinews, cracking bones open, or pounding tough plant
fibres into digestible form.
By analyzing the site locations where stone artifacts are found and correlating
this with the nearest natural source of the stone used, the method of manufacture and
the microscopic examination of wear on the artifacts themselves, it is possible to deduce
a surprising amount about hominid behavior. The phrase often used to describe this
process is “silent stones reveal their secrets.” They do not reveal all but they do give clues
to the thought processes of early hominids, and some indication of processes linked in
time and space can be read from them.
Some flakes and cores have been found together near the fossilized remains of
the carcasses they were used to butcher. We know that only hard, crystalline stones that
will flake, leaving razor sharp edges, were used to make flakes. If a source of suitable
stone is nearby we can deduce that the tools were made opportunistically, as need arose
from what was at hand, and they were simply left lying when they were no longer
needed. Other sites have evidence only of the later stages of flake production, i.e., the
matrix cores are missing, and the nearest source of such stone is some kilometers distance
away. This is quite a different situation to opportunistic responses and implies a degree
of planning. It means, in effect that a hominid at some point recognized good stone,
stopped and collected some, perhaps even knapping a few flakes to take along—flakes
are easier to carry than un-worked lumps—in case he or she later found a use for them.
That means the hominid had a mental picture of something that might occur in the future
and invested time and energy in a present moment on the basis of a future prediction.
The alternative scenario is of a hominid finding a carcass, then having to rush off to find
suitable stone, make the flakes and return before some other scavenger, hyenas, jackals,
vultures and so on arrive. One might add that carrying a collection of useful flakes in
anticipation of needing them also implies having something to carry them in. Having
one’s hands full of sharp flakes is not wise whilst traversing rough terrain thick with
sharp thorn bushes.
To use stone tools to shape and form other materials such as wood, bone, or plant
fibers to make other artifacts to perform other functions requires even more complex
levels of memory and conceptualization, as well as anticipation of future needs. Professor
Alan Gowlett has identified up to fifteen stages involving abstract thought processes and
manual procedures between seeing a suitable outcrop of stone and finally using another
manufactured artifact, possibly some considerable time later. 20
In some cases the concentration of debris and the pattern it forms on the ground
can reveal where and how a tool was formed. Where more complex stone knapping
techniques have been applied, producing much “waste” material, it is sometimes possible
to painstakingly “refit” the pieces like a three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle and see how the
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20
Gowlett, A., 1984, Ascent to Civilisation, Chapter 3.
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