the neanderthals
DESCRIPTION
The Neanderthals. Probably derived from Heidelbergensis in Northern Europe 300,000-200,000 ybp Territory: from Siberia to Iberia to the Levant. Neanderthal Physics. Cold adapted: short, stocky, thick boned 5’6’’; 176, females somewhat smaller, 20% heavier per pound relative to humans. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
The NeanderthalsProbably derived from Heidelbergensis in Northern Europe 300,000-200,000 ybpTerritory: from Siberia to Iberia to the Levant
Neanderthal Physics• Cold adapted:
short, stocky, thick boned
• 5’6’’; 176, females somewhat smaller, 20% heavier per pound relative to humans
Neanderthal Physics
• Faces: larger nose; higher browridge; longer, lower cranium; larger teeth and jaws
Neanderthal brains
• Slightly larger than human (1425cc vs. 1350)
• Enlarged erectus brain
• Relative parietal expansion in humans
Neanderthal hunting
• Varied diets, but large big game meat consumers• Cooperative hunting (100,000-50,000 ybp) Mauran, Le Borde, Combe
Grenal, and La Cotte (below)• No projectile weapons; thrusting spears, close-in ambush hunting;
little evidence of long-range hunting expeditions or intercept strategies• Rodeo rider injuries, tough life
Neanderthal tools• Mousterian; Levollois points/flakes; more specialized than Heidelbergensis
tool kit• Mostly stone; rarely bone or antler• Little evidence of innovation; procedural strategies• Hafting points onto spears• Local, little evidence of “exotic” raw material or trade
Neanderthal symbolism?
• Frequent use of pigments. For what purpose? Processing of hides, hunting camo; adhesives; selectivity for color suggest more than just practical
• Beads; Chatelperronian controversy (borrowed from Cro-Magnons?) • Recent finds in Spain earlier than Hss At Cueva de los Aviones (3
peforated shells), Cueva Antón (1 shell); 50,000 ybp• Tata engravings 70,000 ybp
Neanderthal social life
• Homogenous population est. 70,000 in Europe at 40,000 ybp• Smaller less organized campsite• Smaller hearths, possible no communal use of fire• Smaller social groups; no trade; local face-to-face interactions• Possibly little gender specialization; longer gestation period >12months?• Burials inconclusive regarding ritual; afterlife beliefs, etc.
Neanderthal language
Some language but how much?