The Oldowan Tradition

The Oldowan tradition refers to the earliest widely recognized stone tool industry used by early human ancestors around 2.6 million years ago. These tools were basic, sharp-edged stones created by striking one stone against another to produce flakes used for cutting and processing food. The Oldowan tools mark a significant step in human evolution, showcasing early evidence of intentional tool-making and adaptation to the environment. Despite their simplicity, these tools helped early humans expand their diet and improve survival, laying the foundation for more advanced tool technologies in later periods.