60,000-year-old arrow puts birth of archery back 20,000 years: 06-06-2008
A bone arrow, found two years ago in a cave near the South African coastal town of Ballito, is thought to be 60,000 years old, making it the earliest archery instrument ever discovered.
Researchers from Wits University released their findings in the Journal of Archaeological Science and say that the arrow would have been used alongside spears by Neanderthals hunting for small birds and small animals.
Two other bones found at the same site give a further insight into prehistoric life and suggest that the occupants of the cave partook in leatherwork.
Speaking of the former residents of the cave, researcher Dr Lucinda Backwell speculated as to whether they had moved there from elsewhere, bringing the technology with them, or whether they developed it themselves.
"They would have adapted to living in the forest, where they would have been hunting little animals," she said.
"Nets and traps were also probably used for hunting and fishing."
Evidence shows that it was at around this time that modern human traits like burying the dead and wearing jewellery were first established.