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Archaeologists discover 12,000-year-old pebbles that could provide new insights about the wheel
12,000-year-old perforated stones found over years of excavations in Israel may «represent early evidence for the adoption of spinning with the ’spindle and whorl’ device,» according to newly published research in PLOS ONE.
The wheel-shaped stones were found at Nahal Ein-Gev II in the Jordan Valley of Israel, over many years of excavations. A total of 113 perforated stones have been discovered in the area since 1972.
Of those stones found, 48 of them had complete perforation, 36 were broken items with partial holes present and 29 were unfinished items with one or two drill marks, according to the research.
There were over 100 wheel-shaped stones found in Israel that researchers believe are an early example of a «spindle and whorl» device. (Talia Yashuv)
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The stones were «dominantly limestone,» co-authors Talia Yasuv and Leore Grosman of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem wrote in their published research, ranging in weight from 1 to 34 grams.
Researchers came up with several theories about what these perforated stones could be.
«An initial thought was they may have been related to fishing,» Yasuv told Fox News Digital in an email. Researchers ultimately came to the conclusion that, because of the shape of the stones, the material, plus the shape and size of the holes made, that they were most likely spindle whorls.
The perforated stones were found during excavations of the Nahal Ein Gev II (NEG II) in Israel’s Jordan Valley. (Naftali Hilger)
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High-resolution 3D models were used in this research to study the stones in much more detail.
«For the naked eye, the collection of stones seems highly variable, with no standardization in the sense that every stone in the assemblage is different and unique,» Yashuv said.
«However, the 3D analysis pointed out morphological parameters that showed there are standard measures — for example, width/length ratio, a central location of the centre of mass, the fact that the perforations were located at that point too, and that the minimal width of the perforation is at a constant measure,» Yashuv continued.
The authors of the study noted that their theory could be strengthened by «use wear analysis,» but explained that the particular method was «beyond the scope of the present article.»
The stones were observed in great detail by researchers to gather a better understanding of their past use. Research included 3D modeling as well as a test with replicas to test the stones’ functionality as spindle whorls. (Laurent Davin)
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What was done as part of this study, beyond 3D modeling, was a feasibility test to test the functionality of the items as ancient spindle whorls. This was done with the help of Yonit Kristal, a traditional craft-making expert, per the study.
«Although those parameters pointed to the functionality of spindle whorls, we were left with a doubt and therefore ran a feasibility test with replicas we produced,» Yashuv said.
Though Kristal’s first initial attempt didn’t work well, the authors explained in their research, she eventually was able to spin both wool and flax using the pebbles as spindle whorls.
«Surprisingly, the experiment demonstrated that not only do the replicas function well as spindle whorls, but that the parameters we suspected as disadvantageous were actually beneficial for this purpose,» Yashuv said.
Yashuv believes that this discovery is bigger than just a matter of «who’s first.»
«The ‘earliest’ spindle whorl could easily become irrelevant when an additional earlier find will be found,» Yashuv pointed out. «However, since we suggest an explanation to how come the innovation disappeared, if an earlier find would be retrieved, it could join into the general scheme we presented.»
Through the multistep process of studying the perforated rocks, the researchers came to the conclusion that these items could have been spindle whorls that were used to spin fibers.
«In a cumulative evolutionary trend, they manifest early phases of the development of rotational technologies by laying the mechanical principle of the wheel and axle,» the researcher wrote in their study. «All in all, it reflects on the technological innovations that played an important part in the Neolithization processes of the Southern Levant.»
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday took steps to secure the release of the Israeli hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza, offering a $5 million reward per captive to any Palestinian who helps to secure their freedom.
Netanyahu made the announcement during a trip to the Netzarim Corridor in Gaza, which splits Northern Gaza and Gaza City from the rest of the Strip, where brutal fighting has occurred for more than a year as Israel looks to eradicate Hamas.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with IDF commanders in the Netzarim Corridor in Gaza to discuss Hamas activity. Nov. 19, 2024. (Photo provided by TPS-IL)
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«To those who want to leave this entanglement I say: Whoever brings us a hostage, will find a safe way out for himself and his family,» the prime minister said, speaking alongside Defense Minister Israel Katz, reported Israeli press agency TPS. «We will also give $5 million for every hostage. Choose, the choice is yours, but the result will be the same.
«We will bring them all back,» Netanyahu said.
Fox News Digital could not immediately reach Netanyahu’s office or the White House for comment on ongoing efforts to return the hostages.
The Hostage Family Forum also told Fox News Digital that it had no comment at the time of this report.
There are still 101 hostages believed to be held by Hamas of the 251 people who were abducted during the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks, including seven Americans.
These are the American hostages who were taken by Hamas terrorists on Oct. 7, 2023. (Fox News Photo)
At least 33 of the hostages still held by the terrorist network are believed to have been killed. Their bodies continue to be held by Hamas as supposed bargaining chips, including three Americans.
Ruby Chen, the father of one of the American hostages, Itay Chen, who was ambushed near the border while serving in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Oct. 7, said he «doubts» Netanyahu’s reward system will be successful.
«I think [Netanyahu’s] initiative is a smoke screen and tactical but not strategic,» Chen said.
The father of Itay said Netanayhu is maneuvering with this latest announcement by refusing to detail what Israel will not do, like leave Gaza, and instead «say what he is willing to offer to get all the hostages» rather than a smaller number of hostages during a cease-fire.
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Netanyahu, who also met with Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, chief of staff of the IDF, vowed that Hamas would never be able to return to power in Gaza.
«Hamas will not rule in Gaza,» Netanyahu reportedly said. «We are eliminating its military capabilities in very impressive fashion. We are moving on to its governing abilities, and we are not yet done. Hamas will not be in Gaza.»
Prime Minister Netanyahu meets with IDF commanders in Gaza, Nov. 19, 2024. (Photo provided by TPS-IL)
The prime minister championed the success of IDF forces in combating the terrorist group and, along with his defense minister, spoke with IDF reserve brigade commanders on the Gaza coast about ongoing challenges and operational activity.
The IDF in September assessed that Hamas had largely been defeated and that the remnants of the terrorist group continue to operate through guerrilla combat-based activities that will take time to dismantle.
Israel has not detailed a timeline for when it will end its military operations in Gaza and peace talks earlier this year appeared to come to a standstill over apparently insurmountable disagreements regarding security corridors in the Strip.
Palestinians flee amid an Israeli military operation, in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, Oct. 22, 2024. (Reuters/Dawoud Abu Alkas)
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It remains unclear where peace talks stand today between Israel and Hamas.
The U.S., representing Israel, was working closely with Qatar and Egypt, which represented the Hamas side, for weeks in a move to end the brutal fighting that is reported to have killed some 43,000 people in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry, more than half of whom were reported to be women and children. However, these figures do not detail the number of terrorist deaths.
Earlier this month Qatar said it could no longer be involved in mediation efforts due to a lack of willingness by both Hamas and Israel to engage in good faith attempts to end the deadly conflict.
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