Abstract
The paper focuses on the distinction between early hominids and modern non-human captive primates with particular reference to the lithic tool production, i. e. fundamental fracture patterning on the core and flake surfaces.
The earliest lithic tool from West Gona site, Afar, Ethiopia shows that the flaking scars or negative flake surfaces are extended to the central part of the core. Together with another early Oldowan industries, the lithic tool characterlistic of early hominids can be summarized as a harmonious combination of large, medium, and small flake negatives on a given tool. On the contrary, lithic tools made by a captive Bonobo chimpanzee represent mostly flaked marginally around a core periphery; and detached flakes are also small.
It is, therefore, possible to hypothesize that the critical argument of distinctive criterion between “Man the tool-maler” and “Pan the tool-maker” lies in the production of lithic flake and it's use, on the basis of phylogenetic relations. Additionally, intermediate character of long-bone fracture using hammer stone by captive chimpanzees, in the setting of nut-cracking and the stone flaking, is also discussed.
