Archaeologists have uncovered thousands of Ice Age stone tools in a cave on South Africa’s southern coast, shedding light on how early humans crafted and shared technology nearly 20 000 years ago.

The discovery – published on Wednesday, 9 April – highlights the sophisticated methods used to shape blades from larger rocks known as cores.

By studying these cores, researchers identified consistent manufacturing techniques also found in regions such as Lesotho and Namibia, suggesting prehistoric communities passed on knowledge across vast distances.

This points to a network of cultural exchange and teaching, long before the advent of written language.

The cave, now perched on a steep cliff near Knysna in the Western Province, once overlooked grassy plains where hunters pursued large game. The harsh climb and meticulous excavation revealed not only the tools but also the ingenuity of their makers.

Tiny dental tools were used to carefully extract sediment layers, preserving the fragile artefacts.

“This is an important insight into how people who lived in this region were living and hunting and responding to their environment,” said lead researcher Doctor Sara Watson.

She went on to explain that the prehistoric people were far from primitive, they were capable of complex thought and shared learning, traits still central to humanity today.

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