A recent study published in Science Advances unveils new evidence about the use of ochre by early modern humans at Blombos Cave, located in South Africa. The findings suggest that early humans, between 90,000 and 70,000 years ago, were not only using ochre as pigment but also as a specialized tool for stone toolmaking. This revelation challenges long-standing perceptions of ochre as a material limited to symbolic or decorative use, suggesting it was integral to technological advancements much earlier than previously thought. The discovery opens a window into the complex behaviors of early human societies, revealing a nuanced understanding of their technological capabilities.
The research, led by Elizabeth Velliky and her colleagues at SapienCE, offers a more intricate picture of Middle Stone Age (MSA) technology. The discovery was made when the team reexamined ochre pieces that had previously been excavated from the cave. With the support of cutting-edge analysis techniques, the researchers were able to identify these pieces as tools used in lithic retouching, a process critical to creating finely crafted stone tools. This study changes the narrative about the cognitive and technological abilities of early Homo sapiens, demonstrating that their toolmaking methods were sophisticated and highly specialized.
New Insights into the Multifunctional Role of Ochre
The discovery from Blombos Cave represents a breakthrough in understanding the use of ochre. As Elizabeth Velliky states, “We now know that ochre was a multi-use tool that played an essential role in the daily lives of early modern humans. I believe this discovery could change how we view ochre and the past, and deepen our understanding of early human behavior.” This marks a significant shift in the narrative, showing that ochre was not only symbolic but also had a practical application in the toolmaking processes of early human societies.
Upon further examination of the ochre artifacts, the team found that the pieces had been carefully modified for specific technological purposes, aligning with practices like pressure flaking and direct percussion, which are integral to crafting lithic tools. As Velliky explains, “We now know that these ochre pieces were not simply picked up and used; they were carefully modified to serve a specific technological purpose.” These ochre tools were likely used to refine Still Bay points, which are some of the most advanced stone tools from the MSA. The presence of these specialized tools suggests that early humans were engaging in highly deliberate and technically advanced behaviors.
The Role of Ochre in Early Technological Systems
The ochre retouchers found at Blombos Cave represent the first direct evidence of ochre being used in the lithic retouching process, a sophisticated technique that requires precision and expertise. The study’s findings show that these tools were integral to creating bifacial tools, such as the Still Bay points, which are known for their symmetrical shape and advanced flaking techniques. These tools are considered to be among the most sophisticated lithic artifacts of the African MSA, pointing to the technical proficiency of early human toolmakers.
According to Francesco d’Errico, a member of the research team, “The sophistication of these pressure flakers implies that they were the personal property of expert toolmakers. They may have functioned not only as practical instruments but also as indicators of identity and technical prowess.” This observation further underscores the importance of these ochre tools, suggesting that they were not just used for basic tasks, but were highly valued items that possibly indicated the identity or status of their owners within the group. The ochre tools may have served as a way for expert toolmakers to demonstrate their skill and distinguish themselves in early human societies.
A New Perspective on Human Behavioral Modernity
The discovery of these specialized ochre tools brings us closer to understanding the behavioral modernity of early Homo sapiens. The use of ochre for technical purposes indicates a level of cognitive complexity that had not been recognized in such early periods. As Karen van Niekerk, SapienCE Deputy Director and lead archaeologist at Blombos Cave, notes, “This discovery will add another layer to our understanding of the behavioral modernity of early Homo sapiens in southern Africa.”
The findings suggest that ochre was far more than a symbolic or decorative material. It played a significant role in the practical lives of early humans, allowing them to produce tools with greater efficiency and precision. These advanced behaviors demonstrate a higher degree of technological sophistication than previously attributed to the Middle Stone Age, suggesting that early Homo sapiens were far more capable than previously assumed. This discovery also raises important questions about the broader roles ochre played in early societies, including its potential role in developing personal identity and social roles within human communities.
