CAPUCHIN MONKEY (CEBUS-APELLA) GRIPS FOR THE USE OF STONE TOOLS

This research examined capuchin monkey (Cebus apella) grips for the us e of throwing, nut-cracking, and cutting tools. We provided subjects w ith stones and apparatus that accommodated the use of stones as tools. Our subjects exhibited five grips, two of which the animals used when force was the primary consideration (power grips) and three of which the animals used when accuracy of sensory judgment and instrumentation was required (precision grips). We believe that the range of contexts in which capuchins use stone tools, combined with the ability of capu chins to employ both power and precision grips as part of their tool r epertoire, indicate that Cebus apella can be used to identify grips th at facilitated hominid lithic technology. (C) 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.