Ancient humans may have faced danger while making stone tools
Kent State University/American Antiquity/Michelle Bebber
Modern flintknappers, who engage in the practice of making stone tools, often experience injuries. However, these injuries, which today may be treated with stitches or a visit to the emergency room, could have been life-threatening for ancient stone workers who did not have access to modern medical care or antibiotics.
The findings of a unique survey on flintknapper injuries shed light on the risks these early humans faced. Some of the reported injuries can be seen as somewhat humorous, including instances of individuals accidentally hitting themselves in sensitive areas such as the testicles or dropping tools on…
