Ancient limestone spheroids have long been an archaeological mystery. From the Oldowan era to the Middle Paleolithic period, their creation's purpose sparked continuous debates among scholars.
In a recent study undertaken by researchers from the Computational Archaeology Laboratory at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, in collaboration with colleagues from Tel Hai College and Rovira i Virgili University, renewed efforts have been made to demystify these ancient artifacts, Phys.org reported.
They aim to gain fresh insights into the motivations and abilities of early hominins who crafted these perplexing objects.
Ancient Limestone Spheroids: Enduring Archaeological Mystery
Although among the most enduring archaeological finds, these ancient limestone spheroids have baffled experts and are often dismissed as accidental by-products of primitive percussion tasks. However, this recent investigation challenges this prevailing perspective.
At the core of this research, a pivotal question emerged: Did these spheroids appear unintentionally from early human activities, or were they intentionally developed tools designed with specific functions in mind?
To explore this inquiry, the research team harnessed state-of-the-art 3D analysis methodologies, including techniques like spherical harmonics and surface curvature.
They applied these advanced analytical tools to meticulously examine 150 limestone spheroids sourced from the 'Ubeidiya archaeological site, with origins dating back approximately 1.4 million years.
These analytical methods were conducted under the guidance and expertise of Professor Leore Grosman at the Computational Archaeology Laboratory of the Hebrew University.
The 'Ubeidiya site, now acknowledged as the earliest known Acheulean site outside of Africa, holds exceptional importance in unraveling the mysteries surrounding the development of early hominin technology, according to the archaeologists.
The team reconstructed the sequence of spheroid reduction, relying on careful observations of scar facets and geometric characteristics. They reported that the spheroids found at the 'Ubeidiya site were meticulously crafted with a deliberate reduction strategy in mind.
This discovery sharply contrasts with the idea that these objects were accidental by-products. Instead of becoming smoother as they were fashioned, the spheroids underwent a transformation, gradually assuming more spherical shapes.
According to the researchers, achieving this high level of symmetry demanded extraordinary knapping skills and a well-defined objective from the outset.
Read Also: Archaeologists in Israel Discover 'Most Ancient Gate' From 5,500 Years Ago
Intentional Geometric and Symmetrical Designs
This revelation challenges established beliefs regarding the skills of early hominins and their interaction with technology. While conventional wisdom held that Acheulean bifaces represented the earliest evidence of hominins intentionally shaping stones into symmetrical forms, the deliberate crafting of sphere-like objects at 'Ubeidiya suggests that these early hominins were proficient in creating intentional geometric and symmetrical designs in stone crafting.
It is noteworthy that slightly older spheroids have been discovered at African sites. If a similar level of intentionality is identified there, it could signify the oldest evidence of hominins in their goal to create symmetrical shapes in stone crafting.
The researchers argue that this study not only expands our knowledge about the cognitive capacities and technological accomplishments of our ancient forebears but also raises intriguing inquiries regarding the purpose and importance of these spheroids in the everyday existence of early hominins.
"Acheulean bifaces are currently thought to represent the earliest evidence of hominins imposing a premeditated, symmetrical shape on stone. The intentional production of sphere-like objects at 'Ubeidiya similarly shows evidence of Acheulean hominins desiring and achieving intentional geometry and symmetry in stone," the study's abstract reads.
The team's findings were published in the journal Royal Society Open Science.
Related Article: Archaeologists Discover Europe's Oldest Lakeside Village Brimming With Many Mysteries
