News From the Field
Scientists Make Bamboo Tools to Test Theory Explaining East Asia's Stone Age Tool Scarcity

April 7, 2011

The long-held theory that prehistoric people in East Asia crafted their tools from bamboo is much more complicated than originally conceived, according to a new study. Until now, research didn't address whether complex bamboo tools can be made with simple stone tools. But an experimental archaeological study in which a modern-day flint knapper replicated the crafting of bamboo knives, confirms it is possible, says archaeologist Metin I. Eren of Southern Methodist University, Dallas. Full Story

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Southern Methodist University

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