Hunter-Gatherers The first humans and their ancestors lived during a long period of time called the Stone Age. During the Stone Age, early humans developed tools that would help them accomplish tasks. The first tools were made of stone that was struck by another stone in order to make the rock jagged and sharp. This tool had one side that could be used as a handle. The sharp edges of the tools below could be used to cut, chop, or scrape roots, bones, or meat. Question: Look at the tools in the above picture. What do you think the uses of the tools were?
Over time, early humans learned to make better tools. They developed tools made of flint, a mineral that is easier to shape and can be made to have very sharp edges. Axes made of flint could be used to break tree limbs, to dig, and to cut tough animal hide. Later the hunter-gatherers learned to attach wooden handles to their tools. By doing this, early humans invented spears. These spears allowed the hunter-gatherers to hunt larger animals. Question: Why do you think spears allowed early humans to hunt larger animals?
As early humans developed tools and and new hunting techniques they began to live together in small groups called societies. These small groups shared common goals of hunting wild animals and gathering wild plants, seeds, fruits, and nuts. Wild animals and plants could provide both a food and tool source for these early humans. Because they hunted in groups, these early humans often chased herds and animals over cliffs which was a safer than hunting alone. Fire was also a tool used by early humans. The first fire was probably an accident created by an act of nature, probably lightening. Early humans realized that fire could be created by rubbing certain stones together. The new tool of fire would also help with the cooking of food and the scaring of wild animals. Fire could also be used for warmth and protection. Scientists believe that males became the hunters while females probably took on the responsibilities of collecting plants to eat. Females also may have stayed near the camps to take care of the children. Question: What are the tools being used in this picture?
Because hunter-gatherers depended on wild animals for both food and shelter, groups had to move as the animals moved. Oftentimes they had to find shelter in caves if there were any nearby. Early humans were called nomads, people who have no permanent home and move about for a variety of reasons. Stone Age people developed their own cultures. One of the most important cultural developments was the use of language. Language was important because it allowed early humans to make hunting in groups easier and easier to distribute food. Scientists also believed that language helped hunter-gatherers to develop relationships and resolve conflict. People of the Stone Age also created art through the carving of stone, ivory, and bone. Scientists have also found pictures of animals and people on cave walls. It is still a mystery why hunter-gatherers produced cave paintings. Questions: Why is it still a mystery that we don t know the purpose of cave paintings? What do you think is the message of the cave painting above?
During the Old Stone Age, climate patterns shifted around the world. People and animals were forced to migrate, or move from place to place. Most scientists believe that about 1.6 million years ago, many places around the world began to experience long periods of freezing. These freezing times are called ice ages. During these periods of time, huge sheets of ice were formed from ocean waters, leaving ocean waters lower. Many areas that were once under water were now dry land allowing groups of huntergatherers to travel between continents. These land bridges allowed people to migrate around the world. By 9,000 B.C., humans lived on all continents of the world except Antarctica. Questions: What happened to hunter-gather societies as they migrated from place to place? What factors would have to be in place for hunter-gatherers to stop being nomads?