Neanderthals crafted leather clothing 100,000 years ago: evidence found in France.

Neanderthals: masters of leather production

According to ТСН: Neanderthals, considered ancient relatives of modern humans, turned out to be not only skilled hunters but also experienced masters of leather production. More than 100,000 years ago, they already knew how to make leather clothing and bags using special tools.

This information is confirmed by a new research study published in the journal Scientific Reports.

At the Abri du Maras site in France, which functioned as a summer hunting camp approximately 105,000-132,000 years ago, bone tools designed for removing animal hides were found.

Every summer, Neanderthals returned to this place to hunt deer and wild horses. During the break of a deer's femur, possibly to access the bone marrow, they crafted this tool.

Analysis of wear traces found on a fragment of deer bone allowed scientists to suggest that they occurred due to repeated contact with soft tissues.

Experimental reconstruction indicates that the nature of the bone wear was likely a result of skin removal. This is supported by modern ethnographic studies. It was noted that these bones can be easily inserted between skin and flesh, without the risk of puncturing or damaging the skin.

Scientists concluded that Neanderthals used the fragment of deer bone to remove hides from other animals, keeping them intact. This suggests that they likely used these hides to make waterproof leather clothing and bags.

Furthermore, threads made by later Neanderthals were discovered at the ancient site. This supports the idea that they not only carefully processed hides but also had the means to create strong and functional leather products.

Recall that earlier, scientists from Oxford University found out that the habit of kissing emerged long before the appearance of modern humans. In prehistoric times, kisses were particularly characteristic of Neanderthals.

This discovery highlights the high craftsmanship of Neanderthals in making leather products, indicating complex social and cultural practices in their lives. They not only hunted but also created items that made their existence more comfortable, using the tools and technologies they had at the time. Such craftsmanship in leather processing speaks of their level of adaptation to the environment.