Archaeological efforts deepen understanding of early-stage modern humans

Dadong site provides clear evidence of the important transformation of the stone tool industry from lithic flake to blade and eventually to microblade in this area over the course of 50,000 years, said Xu; it also demonstrates that Changbai Mountain area is key in the origin of microblade technology in North China.

According to him, the late Paleolithic period was critical for the evolution and spread of modern humans, when they spread to all continents except Antarctica.

He noted that the most significant change in global stone tool technology during this time was miniaturization, with different regions producing various forms of microlith products.

The popularity of the microblade technology then created an important cultural phenomenon spanning Northeast Asia and Northwest America, which bears witness to the exchange and connection of prehistoric cultures between Asia and America, he added.

Many of the unearthed stone tools were made from obsidian, a volcanic glass often found in areas with frequent volcanic activities. This makes the site one of the earliest in Northeast China to make stone tools with this material.

Wang noted that obsidian was also found as a raw material for stone tools in North America and Mediterranean countries, attracting wide attention to its uses in prehistoric period worldwide.

“The discovery of obsidian as a raw material for stone tools at this site is important in China’s archaeological work on the Paleolithic period,” said Wang.

Xu further emphasized that the long-term development and use of obsidian as a raw material provide valuable insights into the material use and social exchange networks of ancient people in Northeast Asia.