Strategic Minds of the Early Acheulian Toolmakers
Stone Tools in the Ethiopian Highlands Reveal Hominin Decision-Making
Nearly two million years ago, in the high-altitude landscape of the Ethiopian Highlands, early human ancestors at the Acheulian site of Melka Wakena weren’t simply grabbing the nearest stones to use as tools. Instead, their actions demonstrate a deep understanding of material properties and a sophisticated ability to plan for specific tasks. This discovery, published in PLOS ONE1, sheds light on the cognitive capabilities of early Acheulian toolmakers.

Melka Wakena: An Unusual Site for Early Hominins
Located 2,300 to 2,350 meters above sea level, Melka Wakena is among the earliest known high-altitude sites of human occupation. Situated along the Wabe River in the Ethiopian Highlands, this site complex spans roughly two kilometers and contains multiple localities, including faunal remains of at least 15 large vertebrate species. Some of the bones display telltale anthropogenic marks, suggesting that early humans had a significant presence here.
“Melka Wakena’s unique high-altitude setting offers valuable insights into how early humans adapted to challenging environments,” the researchers wrote.
The Acheulian culture, which emerged around 1.75 million years ago, is often associated with significant biological and behavioral shifts in hominin evolution, particularly increased cognitive abilities. Unlike its predecessor, the Oldowan tradition, which focused on basic percussive technologies, the Acheulian period is marked by a broader use of advanced tools such as handaxes and cleavers.
Stone Selection as a Window into Hominin Cognition
The researchers aimed to understand how early Acheulian toolmakers selected stones for their tools. Using experimental archaeology, advanced 3D scanning, and photogrammetry, they recreated and analyzed the wear patterns on stone tools from Melka Wakena.
Their findings revealed that early humans made deliberate choices when selecting raw materials. Rather than randomly picking up stones, these hominins considered several factors, including durability, suitability for specific tasks, and efficiency.
“Our findings suggest that early humans were not just randomly picking up stones,” said Professor Erella Hovers of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
“They were making complex decisions about which materials would best suit their foreseeable needs, showing a high level of planning ahead and cognitive sophistication.”
This careful material selection highlights how early humans adapted their behaviors to different environments, even at challenging high altitudes.
The Role of Advanced Imaging
One of the study’s significant contributions was its use of advanced imaging techniques. By creating detailed 3D models of the tools, the researchers could examine minute wear patterns and surface alterations, providing insight into how material properties influenced tool function.
These methods demonstrated that even under identical conditions, raw material differences led to distinct wear patterns, emphasizing that hominins selected specific types of rocks to achieve their desired outcomes.
The Bigger Picture: Acheulian Advances
The Acheulian era represents a crucial chapter in human evolution. Emerging from the earlier Oldowan tradition around 1.75 million years ago, Acheulian tools reflect not only technological advancement but also the evolving mental landscapes of their makers.
“The Acheulian period marks major biological and behavioral transformations in hominin lifeways,” the researchers noted.
“This was frequently associated with increased cognitive capabilities.”
Melka Wakena’s archaeological record offers a glimpse into these capabilities. The site’s tools were crafted with foresight, indicating that hominins could anticipate their needs and tailor their technology accordingly.
Adapting to High Altitudes
The Ethiopian Highlands present unique challenges, from lower oxygen levels to limited resources. The strategic behavior observed at Melka Wakena suggests that early humans were not just surviving but thriving in this environment by leveraging their understanding of local resources.
“Melka Wakena is one of the earliest known sites of human occupation in high altitudes,” the team reported.
This demonstrates the adaptability of Acheulian toolmakers as they ventured into diverse landscapes.
The Future of Acheulian Research
The study at Melka Wakena contributes to a growing body of evidence that early humans were capable of advanced decision-making and environmental adaptation. Future research may uncover even more about how these ancestors managed to flourish in varied and challenging terrains.
Related Research
**Lemorini, C., & Plummer, T. (2022). "Functional insights into Acheulian tool use from wear pattern analysis." Quaternary International.
DOI: 10.1016/j.quaint.2022.03.014Faisal, M., et al. (2019). "Adaptation strategies of Early Pleistocene hominins to high-altitude environments." Journal of Human Evolution, 133, 45–58.
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2018.12.005Texier, P. J., et al. (2016). "A closer look at Acheulian raw material selection." PLOS ONE, 11(9), e0161322.
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0161322
Paixão, E., Gossa, T., Gneisinger, W., Marreiros, J., Tholen, S., Calandra, I., & Hovers, E. (2025). Exploring early Acheulian technological decision-making: A controlled experimental approach to raw material selection for percussive artifacts in Melka Wakena, Ethiopia. PloS One, 20(1), e0314039. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0314039