Ice Age Ivory Fragment Sparks Debate Over Ancient Rope-Making Tool

Photo byPhoto by Torsten Dederichs on Unsplash

In southwest Germany, archaeologists uncovered a fragmented ivory artefact from an Ice Age site, sparking speculation about its purpose. Some imagined it as a magical object like a wand or flute, while researchers proposed a more practical use: a rope-making tool. In 2015, they found 13 ivory pieces in Hohle Fels Cave, fitting together to form a 20.4 cm object with four holes. Preserved grooves and plant fibres nearby suggested their function in rope production.

Rope was crucial in the Paleolithic era and used for various purposes. The durability of stone, antler, and ivory artefacts contrasts with the perishable nature of plant fibres, leaving the technology for rope-making unclear. Researchers replicated the artefact to test their hypothesis and conducted experiments.

While the baton seemed impractical for thin ropes, it efficiently twisted thicker cords using two to four strands guided by its holes. Various materials were tested, including cattail, linden, and willow fibres, which proved to be the most effective. With four to five participants, they produced 5 meters of quality rope in 10 minutes.

The experiment, though not conclusive, sheds light on ancient rope-making techniques. While similar artefacts may have had different uses, microscopic analysis of grooves and plant fibres at the site supports the hypothesis. This discovery provides insight into the practical innovations of ancient societies, offering a glimpse into their everyday technology and resourcefulness.