A new analysis of bird bones at Neanderthal sites suggests
our extinct human cousins adorned themselves with dark feathers plucked from
vultures, jackdaws, eagles and other species.
The study is the latest to challenge the notion that
symbolic behavior, like creating art and body decorations, was exclusive to
modern humans.
A team of scientists led by researchers at the Gibraltar
Museum examined 1,699 sites across Eurasia for evidence of birds and
Neanderthals living side-by-side. There was a clear association between
Neanderthal occupation and the remains of raptor and corvid species, the
researchers reported Monday (Sept. 17) in the journal PLoS ONE.
journal reference (open access): PlusONE >>