Archaeologists Discover Ancient Ivory Artifact Used for Rope Making in Ice Age Germany
In a fascinating discovery, archaeologists have unearthed an ancient ivory artifact in southwest Germany that sheds light on the mysterious purpose of similar objects found across Europe. The fragmented ivory piece, recovered from an Ice Age dig site, has sparked speculation about its possible use in magical rituals or as a symbol of power. However, researchers Nicholas Conard from the University of Tübingen and Veerle Rots from the University of Liège have presented a groundbreaking theory that suggests a more practical purpose for the artifact.
The ivory artifact was found in 2015 at Hohle Fels Cave, a renowned 40,000-year-old site in the Ach Valley. It consists of 13 pieces of worked mammoth ivory that fit together seamlessly to form a 20.4-centimeter-long object with four holes. At first glance, the purpose of this artifact remains enigmatic. However, Conard and Rots, after careful examination, believe that it was used as a tool for making rope.
Rope-making was an essential skill during the Paleolithic era, as it was used to bind and secure various objects such as packaging, weapons, food, and clothing. While durable materials like stone and ivory can withstand the test of time, more perishable materials like plant fibers are often lost. This has made it challenging for scientists to understand how rope was made during this ancient period.
Conard and Rots’ hypothesis is supported by the well-preserved grooves on the ivory artifact and the presence of plant fibers found in the surrounding soil. These clues led the researchers to recreate a replica of the artifact, along with another less well-preserved “perforated baton” found at Geißenklösterle Cave downstream from the site. By using the replica, they were able to test their theory.
The researchers discovered that the baton was not suitable for making thinner ropes and threads. However, by using the holes as a guide, they found that it was highly efficient for twisting thicker cords consisting of two to four strands. Various materials were tested, including sinew from deer, hemp, flax, and nettles. Ultimately, cattail, linden, and willow fibers produced the best results.
In an experiment involving four to five participants holding the replica and feeding the strands, the researchers successfully wove 5 meters of high-quality cattail rope in just 10 minutes. This demonstration provides strong evidence that the ancient ivory artifact was indeed a tool for rope-making during the Paleolithic era.
While this discovery sheds light on the ancient technique of rope-making, it is important to note that the artifact’s purpose cannot be definitively proven. Similar objects may have had subtly different uses, such as holding shafts while securing projectile points or straightening lengths of wood. However, when combined with microscopic analysis of the grooves and plant fibers at the Hohle Fels site, this research offers a compelling explanation for how high-quality ropes were produced thousands of years ago.
The findings of this study have been published in the prestigious journal Science Advances, marking a significant contribution to our understanding of ancient technology and craftsmanship. The discovery of the ivory artifact not only reveals the ingenuity of our ancient ancestors but also highlights the importance of practical skills in their daily lives. As we continue to unravel the mysteries of our past, each archaeological find brings us closer to comprehending the rich tapestry of human history.