Cereals in hand, ahead of schedule

2010/02/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Paleontologia
• Arkeologia

A human deposit of 100,000 years ago has discovered remains of sorghum

Some remains found in a cave in Mozambique suggest that some 100,000 years ago humans already used cerealist plants. The study has been conducted by a team from the Canadian University of Calgary, and they have stated that, although they have no direct proof about it, the presence of sorghum remains in the tools of this human group suggests that this type of herb was used as food.

If so demonstrated, their belief in ancient ancestors -- according to experts, some 20,000 years ago -- would change considerably. And it is that cereals, before their consumption, must be manipulated, that is, they must be cooked or crushed to the flour... and they did not believe that humans before that time were able to do so.

However, in the remains they have studied, 80% of the devices have found traces of starch, of which 89% was starch of sorghum. Therefore, it is to be assumed that the inhabitants of Mozambique used this herb assiduously.

From there, that is, determining what they used for, has been able to discuss. In fact, researchers believe that the simplest explanation is that they collected sorghum to eat. But not all experts agree. Some have announced in the journal Science that the vasarto can be used for other things, such as making the bed or as a tinder.