A recent study suggests that Neanderthals were considerably more intelligent than previously believed. Researchers at Berlin’s Museum of Prehistory and Early History discovered this through some stone implements stored since the 1960s. The instruments were found in Le Moustier, a significant paleoanthropological and archeological site in southwest France. They are currently kept at the Museum of Prehistory and Early History in Berlin. The analysis found that the organic materials that comprised the glue were in excellent condition. And had been kept separately packed and unopened since the 1960s. When the instruments were inspected, the researchers were able to detect bitumen residue – a glue-like material, easily found naturally or can be made from crude oil as well.
Researchers at the French National Museum of Natural History suggest Neanderthals also manufactured glue for the tools. They used adhesives to create handles instead of hafting them to wood.
Neanderthals’ Usage Of Complex Adhesives Reveals Higher Cognitive Abilities
Researchers suggest that the bitumen deposit possibly created a handle that made the tools more comfortable to grip and use. The instruments showed two types of minute wear: standard polish on pointed corners and bright polish distributed throughout the hand-held part. Radu Iovita is an associate professor at the Center for the Study of Human Origins at New York University. The professor stated that the well-preserved tools demonstrated a Neanderthal technique. They present a technological solution that bears a striking resemblance to examples of early modern African toolmaking.
Among the finest tangible proof of cultural development, according to the experts, may be the old adhesives found in multicomponent instruments. They reflect the cognitive processes of early humans. However, previous research raised questions about the use of adhesives by Neanderthals. Experts from Tübingen and New York University suggest that the species could easily obtain tar from trees for their tools. This was in contrast to previous theories that said extracting tree tar required sophisticated calculations and higher-order thinking.
Research Findings
Based on an examination of stone weapons used by Neanderthals in the Middle Palaeolithic Period, some conclusions have been drawn. The study cannot definitively say that stone tools were invented by Neanderthals. Le Moustier’s Neanderthal remains were discovered at the bottom shelter, whereas the items were discovered at the upper shelter. Patrick Schmidt from the University of Tübingen believes Neanderthals likely constructed stone tools, as early Homo sapiens were present in the area.
He suggests that compound adhesives are an early expression of modern cognitive processes. He believes ancient hominins‘ ability to create adhesives from seemingly incompatible ingredients demonstrates their ability to engineer materials for their own needs. This provides insights into their thought processes. Thus, suggesting that Neanderthals were more intelligent than previously believed. They were believed to have created thread, cave walls, and jewelry from eagle claws, other than glue.
