Evidence that Neanderthals 'made a string' was discovered and the conventional theory was shaken



Evidence was discovered that Neanderthals were making strings from fiber. In order to make a string, it is necessary to have knowledge about the seasonality and growth of the tree that is the material, and since mathematical techniques such as 'twisting' when knitting fibers are also required, It was inferior to the previous theory.

Direct evidence of Neanderthal fiber technology and its cognitive and behavioral implications | Scientific Reports

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-61839-w

Researchers Discover The Oldest Handmade String, And It Wasn't Crafted by Humans
https://www.sciencealert.com/researchers-discover-the-oldest-handmade-string-and-it-wasn-t-made-by-humans

Bruce Hardy's research team, an archaeologist at Kenyon University, found in a French cave a piece of 6.2 mm fiber that is believed to be between 41,000 and 52,000 years old. The oldest piece of fiber discovered so far was 19,000 years ago, found in Israel.

The following fiber fragments were discovered. The right side is highlighted in color to make it easier to see the twist.



Neanderthals appeared about 400,000 years ago and are believed to have gone extinct around 20,000 to 40,000 years ago. Hardy believes that the newly discovered fibers were made by Neanderthals from the time and place of their discovery.

'Understanding and actually using the meaning of twisting fibers means having a mathematical understanding of' pair, '' pair, '' number, 'and understanding of complex multi-element technology. 'This discovery, in addition to the evidence found in recent years, shakes the notion that the Neanderthals were cognitively inferior to modern humans,' said Hardy.



The fiber pieces found are believed to be part of the handles of flint, nets and bags. The discovery of such strings could mean fabrics, baskets, mats, boats, etc. were made, and Neanderthals lived a more sophisticated life than researchers had ever thought. It is also possible that Researchers have inferred the life of Neanderthals from relics such as bones and stones, as fibers are prone to corrosion and are unlikely to survive today.

However, some experts point out that the pieces of fiber discovered may have been made by early humans.

in Science, Posted by darkhorse_log