Acheulean art: stone tool anomalies

An initial report on stone tool anomalies

A misunderstanding by a grader operator resulted in the unearthing of a possible early Stone Age tool-making site, where numerous Acheulean hand axes and more were found. Among the discoveries were several shaped stones, including some that appear to be parts of tools.

Among the shaped stones found are what could possibly be seals, birds, and snakes (could they be hooded cobras?). Eyespots are prominent, as are darkened heads, which may have been burnt. With each heavy rain, more artefacts were washed up into the drainage ditches and road erosion ditches.

Among the stones found, a few had obviously been worked, yet their practical use remains unclear. Intense studies of the ‘oddly shaped’ stones uncovered by the grader revealed some interesting anomalies. Distinct shapes of birds, snakes, baboons, and seals can be clearly seen, with eyespots prominent on many potential artefacts. These need further investigation, as they appear too ‘real’ to discard as mere natural weathering.

Further investigation indicates that these stones may well be from the same time as the Acheulean tools, a discovery that dramatically suggests that Homo erectus may have been conscious artists, adding a fascinating layer to upcoming site explorations.

The road has undergone many changes over the past two years due to heavy use and wash from rain, but there remain many artefacts available for study.