Deep African roots for toolmaking method

Stone-trimming technique originated earlier than thought, archaeologists contend

Stone-tool makers living in southern Africa 75,000 years ago pushed the cutting edge in more ways than one. These intrepid folk sharpened the thin tips of heated stone spearheads using a forceful technique previously dated to no more than 20,000 years ago, a new study finds.

POINT TAKEN Researchers say that evidence of a special sharpening technique appears near the tips of 75,000-year-old stone artifacts from a South Africa cave, such as the find shown here.