Center for Northeast Asian Studies Tohoku University Faculty

Sano Katsuhiro
Professor

Prehistoric archaeology, Experimental archaeology

Human evolution and dispersals of Homo sapiens

I am investigating the relationship between human evolution and temporal advances in technology, and the function of prehistoric stone tools, to better understand the distinctive abilities of Homo sapiens. In particular, I am interested in the reasons why Homo sapiens, who expanded into Eurasia, achieved an increase in population size, whereas indigenous humans went extinct after the arrival of Homo sapiens. As hunting was undeniably an important skill for subsistence for prehistoric hunter-gatherers, I try to elucidate the emergence and dispersal process of complex projectile technology using spearthrowers and bows-and-arrows.

Ust’-Kan Cave in the Altai, Russia. A Middle Palaeolithic site.

Microscopic linear impact traces on an Upper Palaeolithic obsidian artifact, running from lower left to upper right. Evidence for the use as a hunting weapon.

Principal areas of interest
● History of human evolution
● Dispersal of Homo sapiens into Northeast Asia
● Advances in projectile technology of hunting armatures
● Experimental traceology

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