Neanderthals systematically collected feathers and claws from raptors and corvids across Europe
In short: Researchers who analyzed a database of 1,699 Pleistocene Palearctic sites found a widespread and systematic association between Neanderthals and specific bird species. The study identified that Neanderthals frequently interacted with raptors and corvids, specifically processing their bones to extract large flight feathers and claws.
This finding suggests that Neanderthals engaged in symbolic behaviors, such as creating personal ornaments, which implies cognitive abilities comparable to modern humans. By examining diverse sites across a broad geographical and temporal framework, the researchers moved beyond viewing these behaviors as isolated incidents.
The study utilized a large-scale database of fossil bird sites and a taphonomical database from Middle Palaeolithic assemblages in Gibraltar. A limitation of the research is that the initial inferences regarding symbolic behavior were based on modest faunal samples, though this study aimed to address that by looking at a larger scale.
Why it matters: Evidence of Neanderthals using bird parts suggests they possessed complex cognitive abilities similar to our own.
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Sources
- Source: Research: Finlayson et al. (2012). Birds of a Feather: Neanderthal Exploitation of Raptors and Corvids. PLoS ONE. · cc-by
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