Origins Centre Stone Tool display

Stone tools have been used for millions of years and show how hominin behaviour and cognitive abilities have changed over time. Our ancestors probably used an array of simple tools made from wood and bone, but stones are the only artefacts that have preserved over a long period of time. They are therefore important in tracing the emergence of technology in human evolution.

Early hominin innovation and technological advancement can be seen in changing stone tool technology. Over time, stone tools gradually became more sophisticated and generally decreased in size.