If the angle is correct, and the turn is accompanied, it returns alone. The trick is how it is abandoned, not in shape. Because a Buemeran It flies not with magic, but with pure physics: its curvature, speed and inclination marks the trajectory. If everything is suitable, the curve closes, and the object returns. This does not happen to everyone or in all cases.
That is why it is amazing that someone is already coping with The principles of aerodynamic flight more than 40,000 years ago in PolandAnd that this ability will be cut into ivory in full ice.
Mammoth Fang turned into a complex tool
In 1985, a group of Polish archaeologists discovered in Olazova CaveIn Western cars, 72 centimeter boomeran made from a mammoth fang, Found next to the human phalanx, pendants Fox Fang and Aste Atensils.
Although at first it was believed that it was dated about 24,000 years, a new acquaintance, published in 2025 by the University of Bologna and the University of Jagelloniko Krakow in the magazine PLOS alone He produced from 42,290 to 39,280 years ago.
A new acquaintance was achieved without damage to Bumeran. Sahra TalamoA radioglerod specialist proposed an alternative strategy. In statements collected CountryTalamo explained that “it would be like damage to Van Gogh or La Mona Lisa.” Instead of taking direct samples, team Analyzed animal bones and human phalanx which were in the same layer of sediment. This method, based on Bayesian modeling, distinguished between the age of the human occupation in this cave from 42,810 to 38 550 years.
The design did not return to the jug, but he had a clear goal
Although they are usually associated with Australia and are usually made of wood, Olazov was cut in ivory, which makes it a unique case. The data indicate that it was Prepared Homo sapiensIn the early period Upper PaleolitisKey era in the technological and symbolic evolution of our species. Mitochondrial DNA, extracted from a close phalanx, made it possible to confirm that the bone belongs to modern man. Genetic information added to the archaeological context enhances the hypothesis that at that time there was already a complex thought.
Simulations conducted by the team showed that The device does not turn to returnAnd, like the traditional boomeran. Researchers noticed that their structure is similar to Queensland modelA guy called to fly in a straight line. The curved form and decoration indicate that it was an object that works carefully. The central zone shows wear, which involves ordinary or re -use. In addition, he represents Reddish pigmentation and decorative engravingsField
The environment also gives tips. Boomeran appeared next to Large stones circle which are not common in this region, which implies a deliberate position. According to the authors of the article, this enhances the possibility that its function will be symbolic. Although other prehistoric objects were discovered, not one of them represents these characteristics or this level of conservation.
The article emphasizes this in There was no other point in the cave.Indicating that this object was delivered from another place. These data forced archaeologists to interpret it as Very valuableProbably loaded with meaning. In addition to its possible functional use, the presence of decoration and the context of finding the opening of the door for ceremonial interpretation.
According to the authors of the study, “this conclusion is unusual in the European Paleolithic Register, since then In a broad sense, I believe that hunters for native-assemblers They invented the first Boum deums thousands of years ago as toys and weapons to survive in a complex Australian environment. “The existence of such an old in Central Europe transforms this vision.
Therefore, this discovery allows you to clarify what is known about the expansion of symbolic thinking in Europe. According to the team signed by the article in PLOS alone“This study positions Boumeritus, found in the Olazov cave as potentially One of the oldest samples in EuropeAnd, perhaps, from the world that sheds light on technical skills and cognitive achievements of Homo sapiens in the production of these complex tools. ”
