Prehistoric elephant bone tool is Europe's oldest, researchers say

Researchers report an 11-centimetre elephant bone fragment from Boxgrove is about 500,000 years old and bears deliberate shaping marks consistent with use as a hammer or retoucher to sharpen stone tools.

An 11-centimetre fragment of elephant bone found at Boxgrove in West Sussex has been identified as a shaped tool dating to about 500,000 years ago. The piece was recovered during excavations in the 1990s but its significance was recognised more recently. A team from University College London and the Natural History Museum analysed the specimen. They report surface marks and notches that indicate intentional shaping and repeated use. Key findings: - The fragment measures 11 centimetres and was excavated at Boxgrove near Chichester in the 1990s. - Researchers report the piece is about 500,000 years old and identify it as the oldest known elephant bone implement in Europe. - Surface study used 3D scanning and electron microscopy to reveal distinctive notches and wear patterns. - The marks are interpreted as deliberate shaping and repeated use as a retoucher, a hammer-like tool for restoring stone tool edges. - Authors note elephants and mammoths were uncommon in prehistoric England, so elephant bone would have been a relatively rare resource. Summary: Researchers say the find indicates prehistoric people at Boxgrove collected and shaped rare elephant bone to maintain and sharpen stone tools. Undetermined at this time.