Stone Tools

prehistoric · human history · craftsmanship · stone age

Easy to make. Stone tools were popular in ancient times because stones were plentiful, simple to shape, and didn't require special resources or knowledge to create.

Two main types. Some stone tools were made by grinding stone smooth, while others were made by carefully chipping or knapping stone to create sharp edges like blades and points.

Many uses. Ancient people crafted stones into hand axes for chopping, spearheads for hunting, arrowheads for bows, and querns for grinding grain into flour.

Craftspeople shaped them. A skilled worker called a flintknapper would carefully chip away at stone to create the exact shape and sharpness needed for each tool.

Easy to carry. Stone tools were lightweight enough to transport from place to place, and when they got dull, people could sharpen them or make new ones quickly.