Archaeologists Rebuild Lost Stone Age Fiber Tech

Archaeologists are reconstructing prehistoric fiber technologies like rope and thread from sparse physical evidence. An ivory baton found in Germany’s Hohle Fels cave, dated to 35,000 years ago, revealed its purpose as a rope-making tool when researchers threaded plant fibers through its perforated holes. These findings highlight a major gap in the archaeological record, as most ancient fiber technologies have decomposed, leaving little trace. The oldest known human-made fiber, a 50,000-year-old string fragment from Neanderthals, suggests these technologies have ancient roots. Fiber innovations fundamentally transformed tool use, enabling hafting of stone tools and creating new hunting and foraging opportunities.