Mammoth tusk flakes may be the oldest ivory objects made by humans

Ancient Mammoth Ivory Artifacts Unearthed in Ukraine May Represent Oldest of Their Kind

Archaeologists conducting excavations in western Ukraine have uncovered fragments of what are believed to be the oldest human-made ivory objects ever discovered. Found within a 400,000-year-old rock formation, these delicate artifacts, possibly crafted from mammoth skeleton components, were likely not intended for cutting or sharp tasks. Researchers suggest these items might have served as early forms of teaching aids or instructional instruments for pre-modern humans.

Implications for Understanding Prehistoric Cognition

According to Gary Haynes, a researcher at the University of Nevada, these findings could significantly enhance our understanding of the intelligence of pre-modern humans. “Should these interpretations prove accurate,” Haynes stated, “they contribute to a growing recognition of the sophisticated cognitive abilities possessed by our early ancestors.”