Stone tools were used between 2.5 million years ago and 10,000 B.C., known as the Paleolithic era, during the time in which Neanderthals, or primitive man, walked the earth. These stones tools were humanity's beginning inventions and passed throughout the rising and falling cultures of the past. The traditional stone tools used then are surprisingly still commonplace in today's society, such as the mortar and pestle, hand stone ax, and bow and arrow. To this day, you can use these simple stone tools just as they were used in the past.

Mortar and Pestle

The mortar and pestle stone tool was found from the Neolithic/Bronze Age and is deemed as the original food processor. It consists of a hard, bowl-shaped stone, which is the mortar, and a hand-held object made for crushing, grinding and mixing, which is the pestle. To use this tool, partially fill the bowl with wheat or a different soft material. Pick up the pestle with a firm grasp and pound the material until it turns into a fine powder or paste. Many people create flour, chocolate and even chalk with this tool.

The Basic Ax

A basic stone tool, the ax is a flake created by a mass stone whacked into a flake of sharp stone, such as flint. The flake was made into the shape of a long blade and tied to a long handle for gripping. To use it, have a firm grip on the handle. Aim the blade to the piece of wood or food, and then thrust it into the area to make a clean cut, right into the object. This double-edged tool can be used for chopping food, slicing wood for a fire or even constructing a shelter.

Bow and Arrow

The bow and arrow is a prehistoric stone tool from more than 60,000 years ago. It usually was made out of wood that was bent and attached with a string. The arrow was made by hard stone, such as flint, and tied to a slender piece of wood. To use this tool, set the back of the arrow onto the middle of the string. Draw the string back, grasping both items and applying tension to the bow. Aim carefully and steadily, and release your grasp. Bows and arrows are still commonly used today for hunting and sports tournaments.

Source:

Encyclopedia.com

Oracle ThinkQuest

SwanseaHeritage.net

Resource:

Encyclopedia Brittanica online