Final answer:
Acheulean tools were bifacial hand-axes that showed superior craftsmanship over earlier Oldowan tools, used soft hammer techniques for sharper edges, and their ergonomic design allowed for a better grip and multiple uses.
Step-by-step explanation:
Acheulean Stone Tools Definition:
The Acheulean stone tool industry marked a significant advancement from the earlier Oldowan tools. Beginning around 1.7 million years ago, hominins such as Homo erectus began developing Acheulean tools by expertly flaking off pieces of a stone core to create teardrop-shaped hand-axes. These tools were a milestone in prehistoric technology, showcasing far greater sophistication and utility.
Three Primary Characteristics of Acheulean Hand-Axes
- The Acheulean hand-axe is notably bifacial, with modifications on both sides leading to a symmetrical and more refined shape than earlier tools.
- These tools utilize a more delicate crafting technique, often using the soft hammer technique, where softer materials like bone or wood were used to chip the stone, resulting in smoother and sharper edges.
- Hand-axes from the Acheulean industry served multiple purposes, including cutting, chopping, scraping, and piercing. Their ergonomic design allowed hominins to handle them with better grip and control.
Acheulean tools significantly improved everyday life for our ancient ancestors, enabling more efficient processing of food and materials, and they are often seen as an indicator of the cognitive and motor skills development of early human species.