Assessment Questions 4.7

An important point is made that the Acheulean handaxes, especially many of the later ones, were better made than strictly necessary from a utilitarian perspective. They exhibited a symmetry, balance, precision, and beauty that required extra effort and work. The high level of consistency in handaxe form within sites suggests adherence to a particular standard, and the artful nature of these tools implies that Homo erectus toolmakers may have been interested in more than simple utility.

The artful nature of Acheulean handaxes suggests that Homo erectus toolmakers may have been producing beautiful objects not only for utilitarian purposes but also for the sake of displaying their great skill or for the sheer pleasure of creating symmetrical and beautiful items. While the first true art is often associated with anatomically modern humans of a later period, the craftsmanship of Homo erectus toolmakers, creating tools more artfully than needed, suggests that they may be considered among the world's first craftspeople. This recognition extends to tools made as early as 1.76 million years ago.

The passage suggests that the controlled use of fire by Homo erectus may have been a key cultural adaptation that enabled this species to survive outside the tropics. Fire provided warmth, protection from animals, extended the usable part of the day by producing light, and enabled cooking. The ability to control fire is proposed to have played a crucial role in Homo erectus' survival in diverse climates and environments.