Abstract
With this contribution we analyze ancient hunting technologies as one way to explore
the development of causal cognition in the hominin lineage. Building on earlier work, we
separate seven grades of causal thinking. By looking at variations in force dynamics as a
central element in causal cognition, we analyze the thinking required for different hunting
technologies such as stabbing spears, throwing spears, launching atlatl darts, shooting
arrows with a bow, and the use of poisoned arrows. Our interpretation demonstrates
that there is an interplay between the extension of human body through technology
and expanding our cognitive abilities to reason about causes. It adds content and
dimension to the trend of including embodied cognition in evolutionary studies and in
the interpretation of the archeological record. Our method could explain variation in
technology sets between archaic and modern human groups.