Woodworking Techniques: Insights from Schöningen Archaeological Finds

Discoveries Highlight Wood's Crucial Role in Early Human Evolution

In 1994, the Schöningen open-cast coal mine yielded an astonishing archaeological treasure: remarkably well-preserved hunting weapons dating back 300,000 years. Spearheads and throwing sticks, discovered alongside animal bones, offered a glimpse into the sophisticated craftsmanship of early humans. Now, a collaborative effort led by researchers from the Universities of Göttingen and Reading, along with the Lower Saxony State Office for Cultural Heritage, has unveiled groundbreaking insights into the woodworking techniques employed by our ancient ancestors. Published in PNAS¹, this study sheds new light on the pivotal role of wood as a raw material during the Palaeolithic era.

Eight spears (left) and six throwing sticks (right) from the Schöningen site, which were used for hunting large and small animals. Fragments were supplemented with drawn elements. Photo: Volker Minkus/MINKUSIMAGES, Christa Fuchs, Matthias Vogel, with additional drawn elements by Dirk Leder, NLD

Exploring Ancient Woodworking Techniques

State-of-the-art imaging techniques, including 3D microscopy and micro-CT scanners, have revealed a wealth of information about the handling and processing of wood at Schöningen. For the first time, researchers have documented innovative methods such as the "splitting technique," wherein small pieces of split wood were sharpened for various purposes, including the processing of hunted animals. Dr. Dirk Leder, the lead author from the Lower Saxony State Office for Cultural Heritage, emphasizes the discovery of extensive and diverse woodworking practices, surpassing previous assumptions.

Unveiling Woodworking Expertise

The meticulous examination of wooden artifacts has uncovered a sophisticated understanding of woodworking among early humans. Detailed analysis of spruce and pine wood has revealed the shaping of logs into spears and throwing sticks, as well as the repair and recycling of broken tools on-site. Dr. Tim Koddenberg from the University of Göttingen underscores the significance of the Schöningen wood's exceptional preservation, enabling researchers to document woodworking techniques in unprecedented detail through advanced microscopy methods.

Significance of Wood as a Raw Material

The discoveries at Schöningen underscore the paramount importance of wood in early human evolution. Despite its rarity in the archaeological record, the extensive range of woodworking techniques and the abundance of wooden weapons and tools emphasize wood's integral role in ancient societies. Project leader Professor Thomas Terberger, affiliated with the NLD and the University of Göttingen, highlights Schöningen's unique contribution to understanding early human cultural heritage and its recent nomination for UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

Conclusion

The findings from Schöningen offer a remarkable glimpse into the technical prowess and resourcefulness of our ancient ancestors. Through meticulous analysis of wooden artifacts, researchers have unveiled a rich tapestry of woodworking techniques, highlighting the indispensable role of wood in shaping early human societies. As Schöningen continues to enrich our understanding of human evolution, it stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of our Palaeolithic past.

1. Leder, D., Lehmann, J., Milks, A., Koddenberg, T., Sietz, M., Vogel, M., Böhner, U., & Terberger, T. (2024). The wooden artifacts from Schöningen’s Spear Horizon and their place in human evolution. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 121(15). https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2320484121