By one estimate the average American home has 300,000 objects. Yet our ancient ancestors had no more than what they could carry with them. How did we go from being self-sufficient primates to nonstop shoppers? We examine the evolutionary history of stuff through the lens of archeology beginning with he ancestor who first picked up a palm-sized rock and made it into a tool. 

Guest:

Chip Colwell -

Featuring music by Dewey Dellay and Jun Miyake

Originally aired February 5, 2024

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Big Picture Science is part of the Airwave Media podcast

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