Researchers from a German university have identified the likely use for ivory objects dated to about 37 000 years ago. The discovery came from a study of artifacts found in a mammoth ivory workshop at a prehistoric site in Germany. A particular piece stood out because it bore four carefully drilled holes and bore traces of plant matter on its surface. In earlier analyses, the artifacts were enigmatic, with some speculations suggesting ceremonial use. The new study, however, points toward a practical function tied to rope production. This interpretation aligns with how early communities may have reused available materials to secure shelter, clothing, and nets, supporting a broader view of technological ingenuity in the Paleolithic era. [citation] The research team replicated the object exactly and tested weaving with various plant fibers, including nettle, linden, willow, and flax. By guiding these fibers through the drilled holes and applying tension, the researchers successfully formed cords and rudimentary ropes. The successful replication demonstrates that the artifact likely served as a portable or functional tool rather than a ceremonial item. [citation]
The site itself remains a key reference point for understanding early technology in Europe. The Hole Fels area in Germany has yielded multiple mammoth ivory pieces that illuminate how ancient people exploited available resources. The newly proposed interpretation of rope production adds a practical dimension to the profile of these items. It suggests that the people who created and used them had a sophisticated approach to material culture, combining tool-making with everyday engineering. The implications extend to how survival strategies, mobility, and social organization may have been supported by relatively simple, yet effective, technologies. [citation]
The shift in interpretation illustrates the evolving nature of archaeological understanding. Earlier hypotheses posited ritual roles for such objects, but ongoing experimentation and analytical advances favor a functional explanation. The rope-making scenario also resonates with broader patterns observed in other early sites, where organic fiber technology is inferred from tool residues and wear patterns. This line of inquiry helps researchers piece together the daily life of hunter gatherers, revealing how they adapted their surroundings to meet practical needs. The broader narrative emphasizes how ingenuity and resourcefulness characterized early human populations, far beyond what might be assumed from monumental artifacts alone. [citation]
In addition to the German find, researchers have noted other ancient traces across North Africa that hint at early human activity. In Morocco, sites dating back around 90 000 years contribute to the growing picture of early mobility, technology transfer, and social networks in prehistoric times. These multiregional threads collectively enrich our understanding of how early humans lived, moved, and manipulated natural materials to support daily life and long-term survival. [citation]