On the topic of accidents, it could be a common injury from flint knapping. We know that more than 30% of injuries in modern flint knappers are on the fingers[0

On the topic of accidents, it could be a common injury from flint knapping. We know that more than 30% of injuries in modern flint knappers are on the fingers[0], and it's reasonable to think it would be a common injury for historical peoples too. Presumably lots of tool use, like using a grindstone or wielding a handaxe, would also put the fingers at risk. [0] https://www.kent.edu/cas/news/despite-dangers-early-humans-risked-life-threatening-flintknapping-injuries https://www.kent.edu/cas/news/despite-dangers-early-humans-r...