The large lithic assemblage of Gombore I, level B (Melka Kunture, Ethiopia) and the early Acheulean technology in East Africa

Acheulean technology, a pivotal milestone in human evolution, shows signs of early development around 2.0 million years ago in the Ethiopian plateau, specifically at Melka Kunture. Analysis of Gombore I Level B, an extensively excavated Early Acheulean site, reveals decisive technological innovations beyond traditional handaxe shaping and large flake production. These include spatial segmentation of operational sequences, complex raw material selection, tool retouching, and advanced flake production systems like Kombewa and Prepared Core Technology. While retaining features of Oldowan technology, such as core-and-flake methods, the assemblage demonstrates a significant leap in toolmaking complexity, offering rare insights into the early stages of Acheulean development in East Africa.

Méndez-Quintas, E., Domínguez, A. S., & Mussi, M. (2025). The large lithic assemblage of Gombore I, level B (Melka Kunture, Ethiopia) and the early Acheulean technology in East Africa. Quaternary International, 722, 109685. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quaint.2025.109685