Archaeologists working in Uzbekistan’s Obi-Rakhmat rock shelter have unearthed what could be the world’s oldest arrowheads, dating back an astonishing 80,000 years. These triangular stone “micropoints” may represent the earliest evidence of bow-and-arrow technology, potentially predating previously known examples by 6,000 years and challenging our understanding of prehistoric hunting innovation. The discovery raises intriguing questions about whether these sophisticated projectile weapons were crafted by Neanderthals, early modern humans, or perhaps even hybrid populations in this crossroads region of Central Asia.
The small, precisely crafted stone points were initially overlooked by researchers due to their fragmentary state. However, recent detailed analysis published in PLOS One has revealed their true significance. According to lead researcher Hugues Plisson and his international team, these micropoints possess characteristics that make them ideally suited for arrow tips rather than knives or spear points.
Revolutionary Design Principles Suggest Advanced Technology
The Obi-Rakhmat micropoints display sophisticated design principles that distinguish them from other stone tools of their era. Measuring between 15-24 millimeters in width and weighing just 1.4 grams on average, these artifacts are too narrow to have functioned as knives or heavy spear tips. Their triangular shape and breakage patterns are consistent with high-velocity impact damage, suggesting they were indeed used as arrowheads.