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A primate model for the origin of flake technology.

Lydia V Luncz1, Adrián Arroyo2, Tiago Falótico3

  • 1Technological Primates Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.

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|September 19, 2022
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Summary

The by-product hypothesis suggests early stone tool technology originated from accidental flake production during percussive behaviors. Experiments with capuchin monkeys show nut-cracking can create sharp flakes, supporting this origin of hominin stone tool use.

Keywords:
CapuchinsField experimentsPercussive technologyPrimate archaeologyStone toolsTechnological evolution

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Area of Science:

  • Paleoanthropology
  • Primatology
  • Lithic Technology

Background:

  • The origins of stone tool use in human ancestors are poorly understood.
  • The 'by-product hypothesis' proposes early stone flake technology emerged from accidental flake detachments during percussive activities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential for accidental sharp-edged flake production during percussive foraging in nonhuman primates.
  • To test the 'by-product hypothesis' for the emergence of hominin stone tool technology.

Main Methods:

  • Field experiments with wild capuchin monkeys (Sapajus libidinosus) performing nut cracking on different stone anvils.
  • Analysis of accidentally produced sharp-edged flakes from nut cracking.
  • Comparison with intentionally produced flakes from a freehand knapping experiment.

Main Results:

  • Raw material properties significantly influenced the rate and characteristics of accidental sharp-edged flake production.
  • Accidental flakes produced by capuchins on isotropic materials resembled intentionally produced human flakes.
  • Nut-cracking behavior demonstrably generates substantial quantities of sharp-edged flakes.

Conclusions:

  • Percussive foraging, like nut cracking, can unintentionally produce sharp-edged flakes.
  • This supports the 'by-product hypothesis' as a plausible mechanism for the initial emergence of hominin flake technology.