Topics Concepts Citizen science Teacher PLD Glossary

3.3 million-year-old tools pre-date Homo sapiens

Three simple stone tools on a black background.

Stone tools found at the Lomekwi site in Kenya have been dated to before the appearance of modern humans (Homo sapiens). They are the oldest knapped tools to be discovered. Experts have identified Australopithecus afarensis or Kenyanthropus platyops as the possible tool makers.

Rights: Africanfossils.org, CC BY-NC-SA 3.0

Published: 17 June 2026Size: 4.88 MB

Referencing Hub media

Explore related content

Appears in Related resources

Two images of a Rönneholm arrow with microlith barbs.

Article

Prehistoric stone tool technology

Our ancient ancestors developed stone tool technology across hundreds of years. Stone tools are important evidence that helps us understand the physical and cultural evolution of ...

Seven stone tools that show a progression in early human technology.

Article

Palaeolithic stone tools

Our ancient ancestors left clues about their lives – not in written records, but in stone. Stone tools are important evidence that helps us understand the ...

Evolutionary research – advancing our understanding of us

Article

Evolutionary research – advancing our understanding of us

New technologies can extend our scientific understanding. They can also mean we have to throw out earlier ideas.

Two images of a Rönneholm arrow with microlith barbs.

Article

Prehistoric stone tool technology

Our ancient ancestors developed stone tool technology across hundreds of years. Stone tools are important evidence that helps us understand the physical and cultural evolution of ...

Your Email address

See our newsletters here.

News Events About Contact us Privacy Copyright Help

The Science Learning Hub Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao is funded through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's Science in Society Initiative.

Science Learning Hub Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao © 2007-2026 The University of Waikato Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato