Neanderthals, our ancient human relatives, were far more advanced than previously believed, according to a recent study published in the journal Science Advances. Researchers from New York University, the University of Tübingen, and the National Museums in Berlin have discovered that Neanderthals used a sophisticated multi-component glue to craft stone tools, revealing their advanced skills and intellectual capabilities.
The study focused on tools that are approximately 40,000 years old and were found at the Le Moustier archaeological site in France. These tools, which had not been thoroughly examined until now, provided valuable insights into the technological innovations of Neanderthals during the Middle Palaeolithic period.
Lead researcher Patrick Schmidt from the University of Tübingen’s Early Prehistory and Quaternary Ecology section explained that the stone tools were glued into handles made of liquid bitumen mixed with 55 percent ochre. This adhesive mixture created a malleable mass that was sticky enough to hold the stone tool securely but did not adhere to hands, making it ideal for crafting handles.
The discovery of this advanced adhesive technique challenges previous assumptions about Neanderthals’ intellectual and cultural abilities. Radu Iovita, an associate professor at New York University’s Center for the Study of Human Origins, stated that the technical solution employed by Neanderthals is similar to tools made by early modern humans in Africa. However, the exact recipe used by Neanderthals reflects their unique approach to producing grips for handheld tools.
Microscopic examination of the stone tools revealed wear traces that indicated the adhesives were used as handles. The tools exhibited two types of microscopic wear: typical polish on the sharp edges caused by working with other materials and a bright polish on the hand-held part, which was interpreted as abrasion from the ochre due to movement within the grip.
The use of multi-component adhesives, including substances like tree resins and ochre, was previously known among early modern humans in Africa but had not been observed in earlier Neanderthals in Europe. The development and use of adhesives in tool manufacturing are considered significant evidence of the cultural evolution and cognitive abilities of early humans.
The researchers noted that the collection of ochre and bitumen from distant locations required significant effort, planning, and a targeted approach. This suggests that Neanderthals possessed advanced cognitive abilities and engaged in complex thinking processes.
The findings of this study highlight the similarities between early Homo sapiens in Africa and Neanderthals in Europe. Schmidt emphasized that their adhesive technologies have great significance for understanding human evolution. The study indicates that Neanderthals were capable of complex cognition and had similar thought patterns to early Homo sapiens.
Overall, this research sheds new light on the intellectual and cultural capabilities of Neanderthals. It reveals their ability to innovate and adapt, challenging long-held assumptions about their primitive nature. The discovery of their sophisticated glue-making techniques adds another layer to our understanding of human evolution and the remarkable achievements of our ancient ancestors.