the techniques for killing animals are evident from the appearance of new kinds of tools such as spear- throwers and the bow and arrow. The meat thus obtained was probably processed by removing the bones, followed by drying, smoking and storage. Thus, food could be stored for later consumption. There were other changes, such as the trapping of fur-bearing animals (to use the fur for clothing) and the invention of sewing needles.
The earliest evidence of sewn clothing comes from about , years ago. Besides, with the introduction of the punch blade technique to make small chisel-like tools, it was now possible to make engravings on bone, antler, ivory or wood. A spear-thrower. Note the carving on the handle.
The use of the spear-thrower enabled hunters to hurl spears over longer distances. Can you suggest any advantage in using such equipment? (a) The top of a large pebble is removed using a hammer stone. (b) This produces a flat surface called the striking platform.
(c) This is then struck using a hammer and a punch, made of bone or antler. (d) This leads to the production of blades that can be used as knives, or modified to serve as chisels or burins which could be used to engrave bone, antler, ivory or wood. (e) An example of engraving on bone. Note the drawings of animals on it.
THE PUNCH BLADE TECHNIQUE B A C D E F ROM T HE B EGINNING O F T IME T HEMES IN W ORLD H ISTORY