Archaeologists in eastern China have uncovered a 7,000-year-old fire-drilling toolset, the oldest known evidence of fire-making technology in the region. This remarkably preserved kit includes a drill stick and fireboard, indicating advanced woodworking skills in ancient communities. The discovery reveals key insights into early Chinese civilization and the significance of fire in human development.

Recent archaeological excavations in eastern China have unearthed a remarkable 7,000-year-old fire-drilling toolset, marking the earliest known evidence of fire-making technology in the region. The kit includes a well-preserved drill stick, over 60 centimeters in length, and a fireboard, approximately 30 centimeters long, which bears over ten deep black circular indentations, indicative of numerous fire-starting attempts. Notably, a circular groove at one end of the fireboard suggests a design conducive for carrying or hanging.

Gan Huiyuan, the excavation leader from the Jiangsu Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, characterized this discovery as unprecedented, further asserting that “this toolset is the most well-preserved fire-drilling equipment discovered to date in China.” The extraordinary preservation of these wooden artifacts in Jiangsu’s humid climate has garnered praise, with Liu Zheng from the Chinese Society of Cultural Relics acknowledging it as a significant find that enhances our understanding of early Chinese civilization.

The Caoyangang site, encompassing over 80,000 square meters, has produced more than 3,000 artifacts since excavations commenced in 2022. Alongside the fire-making tools, artifacts such as pottery, bone tools, wooden items, and animal remains have been discovered. Shi Yanyan, from the Jiangsu Institute of Archaeology, emphasized the site’s evidence of a settled community with advanced woodworking abilities, noting, “Ancient inhabitants had already developed a certain level of skill in utilizing and processing wood.”

This recently discovered toolset is intriguing as it aligns with ancient Chinese mythology, which tells of early humans generating the first fire by drilling wood for friction. The ability to create fire on demand would have drastically improved early human life, providing critical advantages such as warmth, protection, and the ability to prepare food, thus serving as a foundation for any developing civilization.

The findings at Caoyangang contribute to an extensive narrative regarding the history of fire-making, which suggests early humans harnessed fire over a million years ago. Archaeologists indicate that by 200,000 years ago, more sophisticated methods, including percussion and friction techniques, were developed. The hand drill, bow drill, and fire plough are among the friction methods, influenced by available materials and environmental conditions. For instance, bamboo fire saws were popular in Asia, while hand drills were more common in Africa and Australia.

Continued excavations are poised to unveil further insights into the technological progress and social structures of these ancient communities, enriching our understanding of their cultural development and innovations.

The discovery of a 7,000-year-old fire-drilling toolset in eastern China provides the earliest evidence of fire-making technology in the region. The remarkably preserved artifacts reveal insights into the lives of ancient communities, emphasizing their advanced skills in woodworking and the significance of controlled fire for survival. As archaeological research continues, there is potential for further revelations regarding ancient technological advancements and societal structures.

Original Source: www.zmescience.com

Related posts:

Tibetan Tree Rings Reveal Climate Change’s Impact on Chinese Dynasties Asia Dominates Global Pollution Rankings, Urging Urgent Action China Seizes Climate Leadership Opportunity Amid U.S. Withdrawal Archaeological Discovery: 6,000 Miniature Armour Scales from Han Dynasty