The Oldowan is one of the earliest known stone tool industries, dating back to around 2.6 million years ago. It is characterized by simple tools made by striking stones together to create sharp edges. These tools were primarily used for cutting and processing food, marking a significant advancement in early human technology. The Oldowan tools are associated with early hominins, particularly Homo habilis, who likely used them for scavenging and butchering animals. This tool-making tradition laid the foundation for more advanced technologies in later prehistoric periods, highlighting the importance of tool use in human evolution.