The Primitive technology Is the set of artifacts produced by man from the year 250,000 BC, at which time the Stone Age begins. These primitive artifacts were mainly made of stone, wood, animal bones and natural fibers.
The most significant archaeological finds of this type of tools come from Asia, Africa and Europe. The first individuals in charge of the development of primitive technology were nomads who moved in a herd from one place to another to obtain food and shelter.
These nomads were hunters who used the sharp edges of the stone to cut their food and produce other items, such as clothing and stores (Tema Fantastico, 2017).
Approximately 100,000 BC, the ancestors of the modern human race developed oval axes, knives, scrapers, and various types of stone instruments which indicate that the hand ax had become an instrument for developing other instruments.
This ability to develop the instruments that conformed the primitive technology was a fundamental factor to differentiate the human being from other species.
Primitive technological development is considered as fundamental for the evolution of the human race to this day. It is important to recognize that the artifacts and elements that primitive man-wit laid the foundation for life as we know it today (Carvajal, 2013).
Significant elements and artefacts of primitive technology
Some of these elements and technological artifacts developed by primitive man are listed below:
Axes
Axes are the oldest artifacts made by humans. There is evidence that early hominids made axes more than 250,000.
In fact, with the fabrication of this element we begin with what we know today as the stone age.
The ax became the essential element for technological development, since it allowed other elements to be fabricated, such as garments and stores (Angelini & Bongioanni, 2004).
Fire
Fire control played a fundamental step in the evolution of primitive technology. Our ancestors struck stone against pyrites in order to produce sparks which, upon falling on dry plant material, produced fire.
Originally, fire came from natural sources, from there it was carefully taken and treasured. The development of the technique to ignite fire, allowed the homínidos could be freed of the obligation to protect the fire.
On the other hand, the fire brought with it other benefits such as the emanation of light and heat, the possibility of cooking foods and pieces modeled in clay, as containers and containers.
Fire is considered the greatest technological legacy left by primitive man, since it became possible to modify the way humans were fed (Hodges, 1964).
Pots
With the discovery and control of the fire it became possible to cook materials such as clay to give them greater resistance.
In this way, clay was used to make containers and containers ideal for cooking food, storing cereals, infusing herbs and fermenting substances.
Mineral pigments
Although primitive technology focused much of its attention on the development of practical tools, it also focused on the creation of other elements of decorative or ceremonial use.
This is how the first men were responsible for the manufacture of pigments from the pulverization of minerals. These pigments were used to apply to the skin, clay vessels, garments, baskets and other artifacts.
Thanks to the search for pigments, the first men discovered certain minerals such as malachite and azurite (Suárez, 2010).
Metallurgy
Due to the search for minerals and pigments, the first men also discovered copper. This metal was found in the form of dust and upon being struck the men realized that, instead of being destroyed, it became a blade
. Thanks to these properties of copper, new techniques for the manufacture of jewelry would soon be developed.
The first villages also developed techniques for copper forging. Finding that if it was exposed to fire repeatedly, it acquired greater strength and better physical properties.
This process of exposing the metal to fire and eliminating its stresses is known as annealing and its application dates back to 3,000 BC.
For this period there is also evidence of the use of tin alloys with copper to produce bronze, a metal more malleable than pure copper and with the ability to give sharper edges to produce artifacts such as swords and sickles.
Another important element on the technological development of primitive civilizations relates to how copper was harvested.
This one was taken from the island of Crete making use of boats able to accede until this point. Knossos on the island of Crete was a highly valued point during the Bronze Age, for there was one of the most important copper mines for men.
Wheel
The invention of the wheel is a little more recent than we thought. The use of this element dates from the year 5,000 a.C. As an element used by man to technify the processes related to the cultivation of the earth.
In this way, it was possible for man to stop being nomadic and to settle in a place of permanent form, thus being able to work the earth, without being forced to move to collect his food.
The wheel would also be used in cargo vehicles. Use that holds up to the present.
Writing
Although it is not an artifact in itself, sociology calls writing one of the most important inventions of primitive civilizations.
Writing is one of the elements that allowed primitive communities to obtain the status of civilizations.
Calendar
Following the same line of writing, the invention of the calendar is also considered one of the most important in the history of mankind.
The calendar allowed to measure the time, to register the historical events and to mark the months and seasons of the year. The Sumerians (5,000 BC) are credited with the invention of the calendar as we know it today (12 months of 28, 30 and 31 days each).
Brick
The Sumerians are also credited with the invention of the modular building system known as the brick.
In this way the construction and construction of houses and places of religious worship became possible in a more versatile way.
Bricks, in turn, could be made of stone or mixing substances of vegetable and animal origin.
References
- Angelini, N., & Bongioanni, M. (2004). Obtained from Primitive Technology: oni.escuelas.edu.ar
- Carvajal, L. (July 16, 2013). Lizardo Carvajal . Obtained from Primitive Technology: lizardo-carvajal.com
- Hodges, H. W. (1964). Artifacts: An Introduction to Primitive Technology. A. Praeger.
- Suarez, L. (March 28, 2010). Obtained from THE TECHNOLOGY IN THE PRIMITIVE AGE: pvluissuarez.blogspot.com.br
- Fantastic Theme, S. (2017). Fantastic Theme, S.A . Obtained from Primitive Technology: tecnologiacronologica.blogspot.com.br