Cognitive archeology, technological evolution, and the current agenda for extended cognition

<i>Homo sapiens</i> has evolved a specialized "prosthetic ability", necessary to integrate tools into the cognitive process. The neural toolkit associated with such technological extension is particularly influenced by the fronto-parietal system, the working memory network, and a set of unidentified skills linked to the concept of embodiment. The agenda for investigating these topics in the frame of evolution will require the refinement of proper definitions, and the application of experimental approaches in cognitive archeology. Of course, the fact that our technological ability is the result of natural selection does not mean that it is free from risks and drawbacks.