"Minds-on

Exploration"
INSTRUCTION:
I will display series if images, all you have to
do is to answer this questions:

1. What do you think this object is?

2. Who might have used it and for what
purpose?
3. How old do you think it is?
1. What do you think
this object is?
2. Who might have
used it and for what
purpose?
3. How old do you think
it is?
1. What do you think
this object is?
2. Who might have
used it and for what
purpose?
3. How old do you think
it is?
1. What do you think
this object is?
2. Who might have
used it and for what
purpose?
3. How old do you think
it is?
1. Why do you think early humans made
tools?

2. What can the design and material of the

tools tell us about early human life?

3. How do you think these tools helped early

humans survive?
Human Origins and
the Capacity for
Culture
OBJECTIVES:
By the end of the lesson, students should be able
to:
1. Understand the significance of human
evolution in shaping culture.
2. Recognize the importance of early stone tool
industries in human history.
3. Develop curiosity and basic knowledge about
human origins and cultural development.
• The evolution of humanity has been a long and complex journey of
survival. Our ancestors faced challenges from both the environment
and competing species, which led them to adapt both biologically and
culturally over time. As they evolved, they developed early technologies
that helped them obtain food more efficiently and protect themselves
from predators. Archaeologists refer to these early developments as
stone tool industries rather than culture, as the focus was on the
methods used to create tools rather than the social or symbolic
meanings we associate with culture today.
Early Toolmaking Traditions
• It is believed that the earliest methods of
toolmaking were likely practiced by the
Australopithecines, specifically
Australopithecus afarensis and
Australopithecus africanus. These early
hominins may have used simple tools
made of wood, such as digging sticks or
rudimentary spears. While there is no direct
archaeological evidence to confirm this, it
is assumed that early hominins had some
capacity for tool use, similar to modern
chimpanzees.
There is, however, some debate among
researchers. Some suggest that evidence of
stone tool use dates back to around 3.4
million years ago, based on findings in the
Dikika area of Ethiopia. These findings
include grooved and fractured bone fossils,
which suggest that Australopithecines may
have used stone tools. However, this
evidence is not as conclusive as other
discoveries.
For now, most archaeologists and
anthropologists agree that the more reliable
evidence points to the beginning of
toolmaking around 2.6 million years ago. This
marks a significant milestone in human
evolution, as the use of tools played a critical
role in the survival and development of early
humans.
The
Oldowan
Industry
The Oldowan industry represents one of
the earliest known stone tool industries,
marked by the use of simple but effective
tools. These tools were made from "hard
water-worn creek cobbles" of volcanic
rock, as described by O'Neil (2012). The
primary technique used to create these
tools was called percussion flaking. This
process involved striking a hammer stone
against a core stone, causing flakes of
stone to break off. This technique
produced two types of tools:
• Core tools: These were general-purpose
tools.
• Flake tools: These were sharper and
used like knives.
Discoveries at Olduvai Gorge
• Archaeological evidence supporting the
Oldowan industry was found by Mary and
Louis Leakey at Olduvai Gorge in
Tanzania. These findings were dated to
approximately 2.6 million years ago and
are associated with Homo habilis, one of
the earliest human ancestors known to
use tools. illustrates the percussion
flaking method, which was a significant
technological advancement for early
humans.
Importance of Oldowan
Tools
• These early tools provided a major
survival advantage. They allowed early
humans to butcher large animals, a
task that would have been impossible
with just teeth and fingers. The use of
these tools is evident from the cut
marks found on ancient animal bones,
suggesting that early humans used
them to slice meat and skin animals.
These tools also improved their ability
to gather food by serving as hammers,
digging implements, and chopping
tools.
Spread of the Oldowan
Industry
• The Oldowan industry didn't stay
confined to Africa. As Homo
erectus began migrating out of
Africa around 1.9–1.8 million years
ago, they carried this technology
with them. By 1.8–1.6 million years
ago, the Oldowan tools had spread
to regions as far as Java, Indonesia,
and Northern China, marking an
important step in human evolution
and the global spread of early
human species
The
Acheulian
Industry
The Acheulian industry represents
a significant advancement in early
human technology, developed by
Homo erectus as they built upon
the simpler tools inherited from
Homo habilis. Like the earlier
Oldowan industry, the Acheulian
industry relied on the technique of
percussion flaking. However, Homo
erectus used this technique to
create more sophisticated tools,
particularly bifacial hand axes.
These hand axes were carefully
shaped on both sides, resulting in
straighter and sharper edges.
The Versatility of Acheulian Tools
• While the term "hand axes" is commonly
used, some archaeologists argue that
these tools may have served various
purposes beyond just chopping. Despite
this debate, it is widely accepted that
Acheulian tools were versatile and used
for tasks such as:
• Light chopping of wood
• Digging up roots and bulbs
• Butchering animals
• Cracking nuts and small bones
Unlike the tools of the Oldowan
industry, which were often
discarded after use, Acheulian
tools were designed to be more
durable and were likely kept for
reuse. Homo erectus also
created a variety of other tools,
including choppers, cleavers,
hammers, and flake tools that
were used as knives and
scrapers.
 Origins and Spread of the Acheulian Industry
• The Acheulian industry is
named after Saint Acheul, a
region in southwest France
where many of these artifacts
were discovered. The oldest of
these artifacts date back to
about 1.5 million years ago.
Although the industry is
believed to have originated in
East Africa, it spread widely as
Homo erectus migrated out of
Africa.
Evidence suggests that the
Acheulian tools were used
extensively in Europe between
900,000 and 500,000 years ago
and reached China around
800,000 years ago. However, no
evidence of Acheulian tools has
been found in other parts of
Asia, leading some scholars to
propose that early humans in
those regions may have used
perishable materials like
bamboo and wood for their tools
instead of stone.
The Acheulian industry
represents an important
period in early human
history, marking a shift
toward more complex
and durable tools that
allowed Homo erectus
to engage in a wider
range of survival
activities.
The
Mousterian
Industry
The Mousterian industry was
developed by Homo
neanderthalensis
(Neanderthals) in Europe and
West Asia between 300,000 and
30,000 years ago. Named after
the archaeological site Le
Moustier in France, where the
first evidence of these tools was
uncovered in 1860, the
Mousterian industry marked a
significant advancement in
stone tool technology.
 Techniques Used in the Mousterian Industry
The Mousterian tools combined techniques
from the earlier Acheulian industry with a
new method called the Levalloisian
technique. This technique involved
preparing a core tool in advance and then
skillfully extracting flake tools from it. These
flake tools were particularly effective
because all of their edges were sharpened.
Moreover, their smaller size made them
more portable and easier to handle.The
tools produced by Neanderthals during this
period were versatile and adapted to a
variety of tasks, reflecting the needs of their
environment and daily life.
 Spread and Impact of the Mousterian Industry
Mousterian tools varied in size, shape,
and the sharpness of their edges. These
differences were largely due to the
changing needs of their users, who had
to adapt to different environments and
challenges, such as securing food and
protecting themselves from predators.
The evolution of these tools represents
not just survival, but also the
development of tradition. Skills and
efficient methods were passed down
from one generation to the next, enabling
the gradual advancement of technology.
 Toward Proto-Culture
By the end of the Paleolithic period, early humans had
moved beyond simply making tools for survival. They began
to create art and other symbolic materials, marking the
transition into what some scholars refer to as a proto-
culture. This indicates that early humans were not only
focused on practical tasks but were also beginning to
explore concepts of beauty, expression, and identity.
The
Aurignacian
Industry
The Aurignacian industry flourished
in Europe and southwest Asia
between 45,000 and 35,000 years
ago. It is named after the site of
Aurignac in France, where
archaeologists first uncovered
evidence of this significant period
in early human history. The tools
created during this era were made
from materials like flint, animal
bones, and antlers. The techniques
used in crafting these tools, such
as the creation of fine blades, were
similar to those used in the earlier
Mousterian industry.
However, the Aurignacian
industry stands out not just for
its advanced toolmaking, but for
its cultural achievements. This
period marks the development
of self-awareness and artistic
expression among early modern
humans in Europe.
 Artistic Expression and Self-Awareness
One of the most remarkable
aspects of the Aurignacian
industry is the emergence of art
and symbolic expression. This
newfound self-awareness is
reflected in cave paintings and
the creation of personal
adornments such as figurines,
bracelets, and beads.
For example, the cave
paintings found in El
Castillo Cave in
Cantabria, Spain, offer a
glimpse into the world of
early humans. Many of
these paintings depict
animals that roamed the
Earth during that time,
providing valuable insight
into the environment and
the lives of early humans.
 Figurines and Symbolism
Beyond cave art, early humans also
created figurines, some of which were
inspired by animals, while others
depicted the human form. One famous
example is the Venus of Hohle Fels,
also known as the Venus of
Schelklingen. This figurine, sculpted
from a woolly mammoth tusk, places
emphasis on certain body parts, such
as the breasts and hips. Scholars
believe this focus may relate to fertility
and the importance of childbearing
and child-rearing in early human
societies.
 Early Music Appreciation
The Aurignacian period also
provides us with some of the
earliest evidence of music. A bone
flute discovered in Hohle Fels,
Germany, suggests that music
played a role in the lives of early
humans. This discovery highlights
the cultural depth of the
Aurignacian industry, showing that
early humans were not only
concerned with survival but also
with creating and appreciating art,
music, and symbolic objects.
The
Magdalenian
Industry
The Magdalenian industry marks
the end of the Paleolithic period
and the beginning of the
Neolithic era. Named after the
site of La Madeleine in
Dordogne, France, this industry
represents a period of
significant technological and
cultural advancement among
early humans.
 Technological Innovations
During the Magdalenian period, early
humans made several groundbreaking
advancements:
• Microliths: Small, sharp stone tools were
crafted from flint, bone, antler, and ivory.
These tools were not only functional but
often embellished with artistic engravings,
showcasing a blend of practicality and
creativity.
• Heat Treatment: A notable technique was
the application of heat to raw materials
before flaking. By heating the material in a
fire, early humans could achieve more
precise and controlled cuts, resulting in
sharper and more effective tools.
One of the most significant
technological achievements of
this period was the creation of
barbed harpoons, which greatly
enhanced hunting efficiency.
These specialized weapons,
dating back to around 13,000
years ago, illustrate the growing
sophistication of Magdalenian
hunting technology.
 Cultural Developments
Magdalenian industry is also notable for its
cultural innovations:
• Mobiliary Art: Early humans created a variety
of decorative items, including figurines and
personal adornments. These objects, made
from materials like bone and ivory, were often
intricately carved and displayed a high level
of artistic skill.
• Temporary Shelters: This period saw the
development of man-made shelters such as
tents made from animal skins. While rock
shelters and caves continued to be used, the
creation of portable tents allowed for greater
mobility and adaptability.
By around 10,000 BCE, the
Magdalenian industry had
spread across parts of Europe,
reaching what are now Great
Britain, Germany, Spain, and
Poland. This expansion reflects
the successful adaptation and
adoption of Magdalenian
technologies and cultural
practices across a broad
geographic area.
Overall, the Magdalenian
industry represents a period
of significant transition,
where early humans began to
move beyond mere survival to
develop more complex tools,
artistic expressions, and
social structures, setting the
stage for the Neolithic
revolution and the
development of agriculture.
Processes of
Cultural and
Sociopolitical
Evolution
The Paleolithic period laid the foundation for the
development of complex human societies through
the establishment of early cultures. To understand
this evolution, it’s important to consider early
humans within their physical environment and how
they adapted to changing conditions over time.
 Environmental Changes at the End of the
Paleolithic
By the end of the Paleolithic period,
significant environmental changes were
underway:
• Warming Climate: The Earth was
emerging from the Ice Age, leading to a
warming climate. This transition brought
about major shifts in the planet’s surface
and ecosystems.
• Rising Sea Levels: As polar ice caps
melted, sea levels began to rise. This
caused some land areas to become
submerged, reducing the amount of
habitable land.
• Shifts in Flora and Fauna: The warmer
climate led to the flourishing of new
plant species while causing the
extinction of others. Similarly, animal
populations adapted to or were
eliminated by the changing conditions.

Early humans were deeply dependent on

their environment for survival, relying
primarily on foraging (hunting and
gathering) as their main mode of
subsistence. As the environment
changed, so did the availability of food
sources and suitable habitats.
 Adaptation and the Neolithic Revolution
Faced with these drastic environmental changes, early
humans had to develop new strategies to survive. This period
of adaptation led to what is known as the Neolithic Revolution.
This term, coined by V. Gordon Childe in 1936, refers to the
significant cultural and technological changes that occurred
as humans transitioned from a nomadic, foraging lifestyle to
settled agricultural societies.
 Key aspects of the Neolithic Revolution
include:
• Agriculture: The development
of farming allowed humans to
cultivate plants and
domesticate animals, leading
to more stable and predictable
food sources.
• Permanent Settlements: With
agriculture providing a reliable
food supply, early humans
began to establish permanent
settlements, leading to the
growth of villages and towns.
• Technological Innovations: Advances
in tool-making, pottery, and textile
production facilitated more efficient
food production and storage.

• Social and Political Structures: The

establishment of settled communities
led to the development of more
complex social and political structures,
including organized leadership and
division of labor.
• These changes marked a profound shift in human history,
setting the stage for the rise of civilizations and the
development of complex societies. The Neolithic Revolution
transformed the way humans lived, worked, and organized
themselves, laying the groundwork for the modern world.
Neolithic
Revolution
The Neolithic Revolution
represents a major turning point
in human history, marked by a
dramatic shift from foraging to
agriculture. This transition had
profound effects on various
aspects of early human life and
society.
 Key Changes Induced by Agriculture
• Shift from Nomadism to
Settlement: Before the Neolithic
Revolution, early humans lived
as nomads, constantly moving in
search of food. With the advent
of agriculture, they began to
establish permanent
settlements, leading to the
formation of villages and
eventually cities.
 Key Changes Induced by Agriculture
• Altered Lifestyle: The move to
agriculture brought significant
changes in lifestyle, including new
behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs.
The development of farming
technologies and the need for
organized labor led to the creation
of new tools and innovations.
 Perspectives on the
Neolithic Revolution
•There are two main perspectives on the
impact of the Neolithic Revolution on
human societies:
 1. Traditional Perspective
• Economic Growth: The development of
agriculture led to a surplus of food, which
allowed human populations to grow and
thrive. This surplus enabled people to
engage in activities beyond mere survival.
• Cultural and Political Advancements:
With more stable food sources, early
humans could invest time and energy into
artistic, political, and intellectual pursuits.
This period saw the rise of complex social
structures, including the development of
art, writing, and political systems.
 Traditional Perspective
• Technological Innovations:
Agriculture spurred
technological advancements,
including new tools for farming,
pottery, and construction, which
contributed to improved living
conditions and societal
development.
 2. Progressive Perspective
• Social Divisions: The accumulation of
surplus food and resources led to the
development of social hierarchies and
class divisions. Wealth and power
became concentrated in the hands of a
few, leading to inequality and social
stratification.
• High Population Density: Permanent
settlements and increased food
production resulted in higher population
densities. This could lead to
overcrowding, resource depletion, and
increased competition for resources.
 2. Progressive Perspective
• Gender Inequality: The shift to
agriculture often resulted in more
rigid gender roles and inequalities.
Agricultural societies typically had
more defined gender roles, with men
taking on roles related to farming
and defense, while women’s roles
became more focused on domestic
duties.
The Neolithic Revolution thus
had a complex impact on early
human societies, bringing both
advancements and challenges.
It set the stage for the
development of complex
civilizations, but also introduced
new social dynamics and issues
that would continue to evolve
throughout history.
Characteristic Paleolithic Neolithic
Included a wider array of
Small and handy for mobile
Tools lifestyle
small and bigger tools due
to sedentary lifestyle

Limited to personal Included structures (e.g.,

Personal accessories and small houses), decorative
Properties tools that could easily be ornaments, large
carried around containers

Small and limited to Included the creation of

personal ornaments, artworks that required a
Art bigger artworks were done longer length of time and a
but not within a long time greater number of people
frame (e.g., cave paintings) (e.g., Stonehenge)
 Characteristic Paleolithic Neolithic

Subsistence Foraging Agriculture

Semirigid; based on
Not rigid; based on age
Leadership and knowledge
legitimacy (religious
beliefs, social status)

None; communal
Social Divisions lifestyle
Elite vs. working class

Population Size Small (30–50 people) Large (in thousands)

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT PERIODS OF HUMAN
ORIGIN AND CAPACITY FOR CULTURE?

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN

PALEOLITHIC AND NEOLITHIC PERIODS?
INVENT
YOUR OWN
TOOL
INSTRUCTIONS:
o Imagine yourself living as in a prehistoric
environment.
o Design a tool that would help them survive (e.g.,
hunting, gathering, building shelter).
o Sketch the tool and write a brief description of how
it works and why it’s important.
o You will present your designed tool design to the
class.
What did you learn about early human life from
the tools they made?
How does understanding early human evolution
help us appreciate our current culture?

What skills and traits do you think were most

important for early human survival?