Researchers have learned some pretty interesting things about Neanderthals in the past few years that have completely changed history. According to the Chicago Tribune, there has been substantial evidence that the early humans were capable of "complex thought." They buried their dead, covered themselves in pigments, and wore jewelry. A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests that they were even capable of creating art.
The oldest cave art from this species ever found is believed to be over 39,000 years old and resembles a hashtag. The carving was found in the back of Gorham's Cave in Gibraltar. "This engraving represents a deliberate design conceived to be seen by its Neanderthal maker and, considering its size and location, by others in the cave as well," writes anthropologist Clive Finlayson.
Earlier studies suggested that most cave painters were women, but the hand print analysis from that study would be different if it considered Neanderthals because of the difference in anatomy. Regardless of gender, this discovery is, as prehistorian William Rendu put it, a "major contribution to the redefinition of our perception of Neanderthal culture."
The only thing that could top this right now is if they found Neanderthal drawings of penises.
[via Artnet]
