The 7 types of lithic industry: the origins of technology

There are many prehistoric remains that capture in stone the development of the human mind.

Something that has been fundamental to the evolution of human beings is the development of technology, understood as the set of tools and procedures that help us to satisfy our needs and solve problems.

Such development has taken place throughout the history of our species; in fact, our sophisticated technology is part of what differentiates us from all other species. It has served us not only to adapt to the needs presented to us by our environment, but to adapt that environment to our own needs.

More specifically, the transition from homo habilis to homo sapiens was marked by the use of minerals, which is known as the lithic industry. This is also the oldest industry developed by the human species.

What is the lithic industry?

The lithic industry is the production of tools made from rock and various minerals, which was especially important in the prehistoric period.It had a special boom in the period known as "prehistory". Specifically in the Paleolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic periods.

Some examples of these tools are the weapons that were used for hunting or gathering, as well as the materials needed to make them, among others. It is an industry whose development was quite slow and at the same time important for our evolution: it has been present for more than two million years.

7 types of lithic industry: from Homo habilis to Homo sapiens.

As expected, the needs and available resources constantly changed between the Paleolithic and the Neolithic. Thus, there were different types of lithic industry.

Currently, seven main types are recognized: Olduvayense, Achelense, Mousterian, Aurignacian, Gravetian, Solutrense and Magalenian.

1. Olduvayense

The Olduvayense type industry, also known as Mode 1 industryappeared approximately 2.5 million years ago, probably with the emergence of the first representatives of the human genus, the Homo.

The production of tools first occurred on the basis of carved rocks, which could be shaped in different ways and was achieved by striking one or both sides of the rock. On the other hand, these tools had a very low degree of elaboration, since they were only intended to sharpen stones at one of their ends, without paying much attention to the resulting shape. By making irregular marks created in a rudimentary way, there was not much control over the shape obtained. For this reason is recognized as the oldest stone carving industry in the world..

Olduvayan lithic production was based on taking advantage of the nearest raw material, without having to plan much about where to get it and how to manipulate it. The main objective was to obtain cutting edges and small pieces. This type of technology was mainly used by Homo habilis.

2. Achelense

The Achelense mode, or mode 2, refers to the elaboration and use of flat and thin stone fragments (known as "flakes"), which were carved on both sides, obtaining biface axes. These flakes are more standardized than in the previous period, following a specific order of blows and turns in the manipulation of the material being worked with.

The Acheulean-type lithic industry corresponds to the Lower Paleolithic, approximately 1.6 million years ago, and the rock manipulation techniques gave it the form of small axes. On the other hand, these tools were not specialized for specific tasks, and served the general purpose of cutting materials. served the general purpose of cutting soft materials and scraping skins, at the price of not even obtaining the desired results.The price of obtaining neither optimal results nor a very high productivity in comparison to what could be achieved with other types of lithic industry that were still to come.

3. Mousterian

The lithic industry of mode 3, or Mousterian, appeared at the beginning of the Upper Pleistocene, about 125,000 years ago and disappeared about 30,000 years ago. It is associated with NeanderthalsThe first representatives of the sapiens, who, starting from the Acheulean industry originated in Africa, perfected it in the regions of Eurasia where they appeared as a differentiated species and with a cranial capacity greater than that of their ancestors. On the other hand, the first representatives of the sapiens also started from it when they settled in Eurasia.

At this stage, flint, a hard stone made of silica that can create sharp edges when broken, was mainly used. can create sharp edges when broken. Likewise, during this period, which corresponds to the Middle Paleolithic, the stones were used especially for hunting, but specialized tools began to be created, planning in their elaboration a particular purpose. Specifically, about sixty specialized tools have been preserved, such as awls, axes, knives, etc.

The tools were smaller in size than in previous periods. and had more points, so they are closer to the shape of a knife. Within this period is also recognized the intermediate stage "Chatelperronian", closer to the Upper Paleolithic.

4. Aurignacian

This period, along with the three that follow, are usually grouped within the same epoch: the Upper Paleolithic (the stage that goes from 40,000 years ago to 12,000 years ago), and are associated with a common mode of production characterized by the use of bone, antler or ivory to make long and very sharp points (impossible to make from bone, antler or ivory). (impossible to make from such brittle materials as stones), and also for making the first artistic representations with the same materials. Thanks to the possibility of creating needles, it is possible to manufacture sophisticated clothing with which to move through totally glacial ecosystems, something that other representatives of the genus Homo could not do for a long time.

On the other hand, in this type of lithic industry, the use of the burin the use of the burinwhich is an instrument developed by Homo sapiens and is considered the first machine tool: an object created to manufacture other work tools.

Specifically, the Aurignacian is characterized by large blades, like large carved flakes. Other materials used were flint, quartz and quartzite.

5. Gravetian

Together with the previous period, the Gravetian is associated with Homo sapiens. The use of bone and ivory for the manufacture of long points was also predominant. It is characterized by the presence of the first decorated bones and also by the development of clay firing methods.

6. Solutrense

In continuation with the previous one, this stage is characterized by the development of rock heating methods. By these same methods, the carving and the shape of the tool is modified. They have more aesthetic touches, similar to an arrow. Flint, quartz and different crystals, such as obsidian, are also used..

7. Magdalenian

In this last period, the tools are even finer but also larger, with the shape of an azagaya point (small throwing spear), although they also have triangular shapes. Their elaborate products were used not only for hunting, but also as combat weapons and also as ornaments. Many well-preserved remains have been found in the southwest of Western Europe.