Archaeologists have discovered a device for twisting ropes, which is 42 thousand years old

Scientists have found that ancient people knew how to make ropes 42 thousand years ago. Moreover, they created very complex and skillful tools for this, which at first glance seem like an exquisite decoration.

Connection of times

Tools for making ropes made of mammoth bone were discovered in the Hole-Fels cave in southwestern Germany (this cave is famous for its findings from the time of the first people). They were found at a distance of 15 meters inside a narrow tunnel, protected from external influences. At first, archaeologists took the ivory instrument with four mammoth heads, broken into 15 perfectly preserved pieces, for an elegant decoration.

Pictured: Hole Fels Cave

But later they came to the conclusion that four carefully cut holes located close to each other on a 20-centimeter piece of mammoth bone were intended to twist ropes. This was also indicated by the inner surfaces of the holes, which were difficult to carve in a spiral, resembling a cut inside modern weapon trunks. Archaeologists said they may have found the earliest evidence of human use of rope.

In addition, scientists themselves tried to use this prehistoric tool. They managed to twist a three-meter rope with a bronze copy of an ancient instrument in 15 minutes.

How it works?

Archaeologists note that the prehistoric tools found are always only half the puzzle. After all, all these stone and bone devices, which have been perfectly preserved for millennia, have been used to work with organic materials - wood, plant fibers, food. There are practically no traces of them. Therefore, the purpose of many tools has to be determined by the smallest details and signs of wear on the bone and stone.

Photo: Copyright University of Tübingen

Nevertheless, scientists seem to have decided on this find. They have already tested the tool on ordinary marsh plants. But it seems that it will work with wood fibers, and with any other vegetation.