Rope, Twine and Thread: Invisible Technologies of the Stone Age

Fragments of ancient human life are rarely preserved in the archaeological record, making the study of our prehistoric ancestors challenging. One such example is a unique ivory artifact discovered in the Hohle Fels cave in southern Germany, believed to be over 35,000 years old. At first glance, the 20-centimeter rod with four perforations appeared to be a symbolic object.

However, further investigation revealed that the holes were lined with spiral grooves, hinting at the artifact's potential use as a tool for twisting materials into strong rope. This discovery, made by archaeologist Nicholas Conard and his team, sheds light on the crucial role that fiber innovations, such as string, played in the daily lives of our ancestors.

Researchers are working to uncover more insights from the traces left behind by these fiber technologies. A six-millimeter-long string, dated to around 50,000 years ago, found at the Abri du Maras rock shelter in France, is the oldest known example of human-made fiber. This string suggests that fiber was a part of the human lineage for much longer than previously thought, possibly dating back over half a million years to an ancestor shared by modern humans and Neanderthals.

The invention of hafting, the process of attaching tools to handles using cordage, marks a significant technological advancement. It allowed stone tools to be used more efficiently and effectively, transforming them into hunting weapons and handaxes capable of delivering greater force. Cordage also facilitated the transport of heavy stones needed for toolmaking, a crucial logistical operation that likely relied on perishable materials like leather and fiber.

Additionally, fiber technologies enabled passive hunting methods such as snares and nets, allowing prehistoric humans to focus on other tasks while waiting for prey to be caught.

The discovery of these ancient fiber technologies highlights the importance of considering the role of non-durable materials in understanding our prehistoric ancestors' survival strategies and daily lives. The current bias in archaeological research towards durable stone tools and bone artifacts overlooks the significant contributions of fiber technologies, which played a vital role in shaping human history.