An artefact made from a mammoth tusk is the oldest known boomerang
Talamo et al., 2025, PLOS One, CC-BY 4.0
The discovery of the world’s oldest known boomerang has shed new light on early human craftsmanship and artistic expression. Recent research suggests that this ancient boomerang, crafted from mammoth tusk, may be much older than previously believed, dating back to a period of increased creativity among early humans.
Originally unearthed in 1985 at ObĹ‚azowa cave in Poland, the 72-centimetre-long ivory boomerang was found alongside other artefacts such as bone tools and pendants. Initial radiocarbon dating placed the boomerang at 18,000 years old, but suspicions of contamination led researchers to reevaluate its age. Through a meticulous reanalysis of surrounding animal bones and human remains, the boomerang’s true age was determined to be between 39,000 and 42,000 years old.
Lead researcher Sahra Talamo from the University of Bologna emphasized the importance of avoiding premature restoration of such significant artefacts, as it can compromise accurate dating and analysis. The revised age of the ivory boomerang now positions it as the oldest known boomerang, predating Indigenous Australian wooden boomerangs by 30,000 years.
While the ancient boomerang may not have been designed for practical use, its intricate engravings, pigment markings, and polished surface suggest a ceremonial or symbolic purpose. This discovery provides valuable insights into the cognitive abilities and artistic tendencies of early humans during the Early Aurignacian period, a time marked by the emergence of symbolic artefacts and artistic expression.
Overall, the ancient boomerang serves as a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of our ancestors, offering a glimpse into a pivotal moment in human history when artistry flourished alongside technological innovation.
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