Can you believe that humans "invented" the axe several hundred thousand years ago? The axe was probably the first tool our ancestors made. This was during the Stone Age, which archaeologists now call the Palaeolithic. However, it was not until tens of thousands of years ago (in the Mesolithic) that the axe was invented and handles made from horn or wood. This made the axe much easier to use. ~5000 BC (Neolithic) - Surface smoothing techniques are developed. By the end of the Stone Age (~2000 BC), axes were available in all shapes and sizes. Finally, the drilling technique was invented, which made it possible to make a hole for the shaft. This was done using hollow bone, sand and water. Axes with unfinished drill holes have been found, as well as drill holes themselves. Stone axes and other stone objects of the time could have had many uses, including working the land, cutting wood, hunting, warfare, domestic use, and as a sign of representation or status. Of particular interest are the ceremonial axes, used for various rituals, probably related to the harvest. The Utena Museum of Regional History (3 Utenio a. 3, Utena) will be open in January.