Aterian

/əˈtɪriən/ adjective

Definition

Relating to a prehistoric stone tool culture from North Africa, characterized by bifacial leaf-shaped points and dated to approximately 50,000-30,000 years ago.

Etymology

Named after the archaeological site of Bir el Ater in Algeria. This archaeological term describes a specific paleolithic tool tradition and time period.

Kelly Says

Aterian stone tools show that 40,000 years ago, North Africans were making sophisticated hunting weapons—it's proof that human innovation happened everywhere, not just in Europe.

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