What Capuchin Monkeys Can Tell Us About the Origins of Hominid Material Culture

Abstract
Capuchin monkeys are well-known for their extensive manipulative propen sities which rival those of chimpanzees. This report examines the produc tion and use of tools by capuchins with the aim of gaining insight into the origins of hominid material culture. It is proposed that research examining tool-making and tool-using in extant nonhuman primates can facilitate greater understanding of the mental life of Homo habilis and other early hominid species.