Archaeologists studying early humans are likely to examine a variety of artifacts that provide insight into their lives, cultures, and behaviors. Some key types of artifacts include:
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Stone Tools: These are among the most common artifacts found at early human sites. They include hand axes, bifacial tools, scrapers, and blades, which give clues about technology, hunting practices, and daily activities.
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Bone Tools: Early humans may have crafted tools from animal bones for various purposes, including butchering, sewing, or crafting other items.
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Art: Items such as cave paintings, petroglyphs, figurines (like Venus statuettes), and other forms of artistic expression can provide insights into the cultural beliefs and social structures of early humans.
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Pottery: While not as common in very early human periods, pottery becomes increasingly prevalent in later prehistoric times, indicating advances in cooking and storage practices.
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Charcoal and Plant Remains: These can be analyzed to understand the diet of early humans, as well as their use of fire for cooking and warmth.
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Shells and Marine Artifacts: These artifacts can indicate the dietary habits of early humans and their interactions with coastal environments.
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Settlement Structures and Hearths: Remnants of dwellings, hearths, and camp sites provide context about social organization and daily life.
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Burial Sites: Grave goods and burial practices can reveal beliefs about life, death, and spirituality in early human societies.
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Faunal Remains: Bones of animals hunted or used by early humans can provide information about their diet, hunting strategies, and the environment in which they lived.
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Trade and Exchange Items: Objects that are non-local can indicate trade networks and social interactions with other groups.
These artifacts collectively help archaeologists reconstruct the lives of early humans and understand their development over time.
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