According to a recent study, early humans may have endangered themselves while creating stone tools. The research suggests that injuries sustained during tool-making could have resulted in the loss of life or limb for ancient humans who didn’t have access to modern medical treatments.
In today’s world, modern flintknappers, individuals who practice making stone tools, often accidentally injure themselves. However, these injuries are usually minor and only require stitches or a visit to the emergency room. In contrast, for ancient stone workers, such injuries could have been life-threatening.
The study conducted a first-of-its-kind survey to collect data on flintknapper injuries. Some of the reported injuries seem almost comical, including individuals admitting to hitting themselves in the testicles or even dropping a tool on their foot.
This study sheds light on the risks early humans faced to create essential tools. It highlights the importance of understanding the challenges and dangers ancient humans encountered in their daily lives.
