The discovery of Kalambo Falls in Zambia provides insights into ancient human technology. The latest research finds that nearly 500,000 years ago, ancient human ancestors before Homo sapiens began to engage in advanced woodworking work. The artifacts found indicate that these humans were building structures, possibly laying the foundations for a platform or part of a dwelling, much earlier than once thought.
Excavation teams are uncovering wooden structures. Image source: Professor Larry Barham, University of Liverpool
Evidence from Kalambo Falls
A team from the Universities of Liverpool and Aberystwyth unearthed perfectly preserved timber at Kalambo Falls in Zambia, dating to an impressive 476,000 years ago. By analyzing stone tool cut marks on the wood, the team deduced that these early humans intentionally shaped and joined two logs together, demonstrating a deliberate process of working the wood together. Prior to this discovery, humans were thought to have only used wood for simpler purposes, such as making fires, making digging sticks, and making spears.
The discovery of timber at Kalambo Falls in Zambia. Source: Professor Geoff Duller, Aberystwyth University
The preservation of this wood is unusual in itself. Typically, this ancient wood deteriorates and disappears. At Calambo Falls, however, high water levels protected and preserved these ancient wooden structures.
Challenge views of the past
The findings cast doubt on the past view that Stone Age humans were exclusively nomadic. The abundance of resources near Kalambo Falls suggests that these ancient humans may have settled down and used the year-round water sources and surrounding forests to make a living, allowing them to engage in construction activities.
Professor Larry Barham (pictured right) uses a fine spray to uncover wooden structures on the river bank. Source: Professor Geoff Duller, Aberystwyth University
Professor Larry Barham of the University of Liverpool elaborated on the significance of the discovery, saying: "They used their intelligence, imagination and skills to create something they had never seen before, something that had never existed before."
Advanced dating technology
Dating these ancient artifacts is a challenge. Aberystwyth University used luminescence dating techniques, focusing on when minerals in the surrounding sand were last exposed to sunlight. This approach pushes the boundaries of dating technology and provides a deeper understanding of human evolution than ever before.
Wedge-shaped wood chips. Source: Professor Larry Barham, University of Liverpool
The importance of this was emphasized by Professor Geoff Duller, who mentioned that although Kalambo Falls had been excavated in the 1960s, the importance of the site had been obscured due to the lack of advanced dating technology at the time.
Looking to the future
Due to its archaeological significance, UNESCO is considering the Callambo Falls as a World Heritage Site. The research is part of the groundbreaking Human Roots project, which aims to understand the development of human technology during the Stone Age.
The wooden structure shows traces of cuts made in the wood by Stone Age humans. Source: Professor Larry Barham, University of Liverpool