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How the discovery of an ancient stone tool could rewrite human history

Stone tool-making system found in Europe never before been found in East Asia
Stone tool-making system found in Europe never before been found in East Asia (Ben Marwick et al., PNAS (2025) via phys.org)
  • Neanderthal-like stone tools, made using the Quina method, have been discovered in China, challenging the conventional understanding of human evolution in East Asia.
  • This discovery disputes the idea that the Middle Stone Age (between 300,000-30,000 years ago) was a period of stagnation in East Asia, while Europe and Africa saw significant advancements.
  • A Quina stone scraper, thick and asymmetrical with a broad and sharp working edge, was found with clear signs of use and resharpening.
  • Researchers are uncertain whether this technology was introduced to East Asia by westward migration or developed independently.
  • Further investigation, including the search for ancient human remains, may reveal whether this technology is linked to Neanderthals, Denisovans, or even an unknown human ancestor.
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