Earliest humans showed sophistication

Researchers have seen surprisingly sophisticated behaviours from the earliest members of our species, from artefacts dating 320,000 years ago unearthed in Kenya.

Some of the earliest members of our species, Homo sapiens, engaged in surprisingly sophisticated behaviours including using colour pigments, creating advanced tools and trading for resources with other groups of people.

Those findings were reported on Thursday by scientists who examined artifacts dating from 320,000 years ago unearthed in southern Kenya, roughly the same age as the earliest-known Homo sapiens fossils discovered elsewhere in Africa.

The researchers described ochre pigment that produced a bright-red colour, which could have been used for body painting or other symbolic expression, and tools fashioned from obsidian, a volcanic rock that yields extremely sharp blades.

The researchers found abundant evidence of long-distance transfer of obsidian to the Olorgesailie Basin location from sites up to 55 miles (88 kms) away over rugged terrain, leading them to believe it was acquired from another group through trade although it was unknown what was provided in exchange.

The findings indicate advances in technology and social structures unexpected so early in our species' history, they said.

The researchers described obsidian tools that were smaller, more carefully crafted and more specialised than larger stone tools called handaxes used by earlier human species.

The obsidian was used in a wide range of tools including scrapers, implements with chisel and gouging edges and also in small points that could be placed at the end of a wood or bone shaft for use as a projectile weapon.

The research was published in the journal Science.