Quina tools discovery rewrites East Asian Palaeolithic history
Scientists from the University of Washington have discovered Quina tools in China dating back 50,000 years. The Palaeolithic period in East Asia was once perceived as a time of stagnation, but the latest findings suggest otherwise.
The discovery of Quina tools in China, dated 50,000-60,000 years, sheds new light on the technological development of East Asia during the Palaeolithic period. These types of tools were mainly known from European excavations. According to Scitech Daily, objects of this type have now been found at the Longtan site in southwestern China. This is the first such discovery in this part of the world, challenging previous beliefs about technological stagnation in this region during the Palaeolithic.
A new perspective on East Asian Palaeolithic
Research published in the "Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences" indicates that this characteristic tool production technology was present in China at the same time as in Europe. This discovery changes previous views on human development in this region and suggests that East Asia may have been more technologically dynamic than previously thought.
Ben Marwick, co-author of the study, emphasises that this discovery raises questions about migration and innovation during this period. Scientists are pondering whether this technology was transferred from Europe or developed independently in Asia.
This is a significant step in the study of human ancestors
The Quina tools, including characteristic scrapers, indicate advanced skills in processing materials such as bone or wood. Researchers will now seek further evidence explaining how this technology reached China. There is a possibility that this discovery could help identify a previously unknown human ancestor, possibly a Denisovan.
The research resulted from international collaboration involving scientists from China, Australia, Spain, France, and Italy. Chinese and Australian scientific foundations and the University of Ferrara funded the project. This discovery may inspire further research into human evolution in Asia and contribute to a better understanding of migration and technological innovations in the Palaeolithic.
