Question

Explain the different categories of Palaeolithic tools.

Answer 1

During the Paleolithic, hominins grouped together in small societies such as bands, and subsisted by gathering plants and fishing, hunting or scavenging wild animals. The Paleolithic is characterized by the use of knapped stone tools, although at the time humans also used wood and bone tools.

Answer 2

Stone Tools

Paleolithic translates to "Old Stone Age," appropriately coined for the dawn of hominids' use of stone tools. Early versions of hammers, clubs and knives were created with carved stone. Stone would also be used to create other stone tools, such as shaping an arrowhead.

Wooden Tools

Hominids developed the need and use for wooden tools during the Paleolithic Age. Wood was used to form handles for hammers and axes, bows and shafts of arrows, and carved-tip spears. By the end of the Paleolithic Age, hominids were experts at utilizing their environment to create tools.

Bone Tools

The bone from dead animals was an integral part of Paleolithic man's tool belt. Some uses of bone included handles for hammers and axes, needles for stitching, and knives. Though it appears bone was not a commonly used tool until the late Paleolithic Age, it played an important role.