Palaeolithic stone tool hafting refers to the practice of attaching a stone tool to a handle, shaft, or other support to make it more effective. It represents a major technological and cognitive milestone in human evolution.
What Hafting Is
Hafting means fixing a stone implement—such as a scraper, point, or axe—to a handle. This could involve:
- Binding with sinew, plant fibers, or leather
- Adhesives like resin, pitch, or bitumen
- Carved features on the stone (notches, stems, grooves) designed to secure the attachment
These features are often referred to as hafting elements.
Why Hafting Mattered
Hafting was a major leap forward because it required planning, combining multiple materials, and understanding leverage. It marks one of the earliest examples of composite tools—tools made from more than one component.
How Archaeologists Identify Hafting
Evidence for hafting in the Palaeolithic comes from several sources:
- Wear traces on stone tools
- Residues such as resin or ochre
- Microscopic striations from bindings
- Experimental archaeology comparing recreated hafted tools with archaeological specimens
Findings show that hafting was present in the Middle and Upper Palaeolithic, used for spear points, scrapers, knives, and more.
Why Hafting Changed Everything
Hafted tools were:
- More powerful
- More precise
- Safer to use
- More durable
This innovation expanded hunting strategies, woodworking, hide processing, and many other tasks.
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