WHAT CAPUCHIN MONKEYS CAN TELL US ABOUT THE ORIGINS OF HOMINID MATERIAL CULTURE

Capuchin monkeys are well-known for their extensive manipulative prope nsities which rival those of chimpanzees. This report examines the pro duction and use of tools by capuchins with the aim of gaining insight into the origins of hominid material culture. It is proposed that rese arch examining tool-making and tool-using in extant nonhuman primates can facilitate greater understanding of the mental life of Homo habili s and other early hominid species.