Features of the late Stone Age

Microlith tools from Southern Africa. Image credit anthropology.net

• It occurred from 7000 to 1500 years ago.
• It was characterized by microlithic industries
• Microlithic means small and refined tools made up of stone
• The tools made during this age were smaller, finer and sharper
• The stone tools could be used for cutting, scrapping and digging
• The late Stone Age people also used bone implements
• The backbone economic activities of the Late Stone Age economy were hunting and gathering
• Only men were hunters
• They used bows and arrows as well as bone headed spears as hunting tools
• They used pit traps and disguises like the head and horns of antelope and the plumage of the ostrich to get close to animal herds
• Women and children did the gathering
• They gathered edible fruits, berries, roots, ants, caterpillars, locusts and wild honey
• The late Stone Age was  also characterized by pottery making,
• It also marked the beginning of pastoralism in some northern parts of African
• Seasonal temporary settlements were also made necessary by the search of game and reliable sources of water
• The marked the begins of sedentary living

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