Fire as an engineering tool of early modern humans.
The controlled use of fire was a breakthrough adaptation in human evolution. It first provided heat and light and later allowed the physical properties of materials to be manipulated for the production of ceramics and metals. The analysis of tools at multiple sites shows that the source stone materials were systematically manipulated with fire to improve their flaking properties. Heat treatment predominates among silcrete tools at approximately 72 thousand years ago (ka) and appears as early as 164 ka at Pinnacle Point, on the south coast of South Africa. Heat treatment demands a sophisticated knowledge of fire and an elevated cognitive ability and appears at roughly the same time as widespread evidence for symbolic behavior.
Brown
Kyle S
KS
Department of Archaeology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa.
Marean
Curtis W
CW
Herries
Andy I R
AI
Jacobs
Zenobia
Z
Tribolo
Chantal
C
Braun
David
D
Roberts
David L
DL
Meyer
Michael C
MC
Bernatchez
Jocelyn
J
D001106:Archaeology; D001519:Behavior; D005390:Fires; D049690:History, Ancient; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D010163:Paleontology; D013019:South Africa; D013561:Symbolism; D013672:Technology / Q000266:history*