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Discovery of Quina Tools in China Redefines Middle Paleolithic Technology in East Asia

Stone tools dating back 50,000-60,000 years challenge assumptions of technological stagnation in East Asia, raising questions about cultural exchange or independent innovation.

The discovery marks the first time the style of stone tool associated with Neanderthals, called Quina, has been found in East Asia, the study team said.
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Did Neanderthals make it as far east as China? Discovery of stone tools suggests it’s a possibility

Overview

  • Quina stone tools, previously associated with Neanderthals in Europe, have been identified at the Longtan site in southwest China, dated to 50,000-60,000 years ago.
  • The tools include 53 scrapers and 14 cores, showing evidence of resharpening and use for tasks such as cutting meat and scraping hides or wood.
  • The discovery challenges the long-held belief that Middle Paleolithic technology in East Asia was static compared to Europe and Africa.
  • Researchers are investigating whether the technology was independently developed in East Asia or introduced through cultural contact, possibly involving Denisovans or another hominin species.
  • The findings highlight the need for further excavations in the Longtan region to uncover deeper layers and potentially associated human remains.