Anthropology

Making the yarn would have required the Neanderthals to have a basic understanding of mathematical concepts, a study suggests.

By Sara Rigby
14th April, 2020 at 11:54

Scientists have discovered what they believe to be the first direct evidence of yarn making, dating back more than 40,000 years.

The 6mm-long cord fragment, which as found at an archaeological site in Abri du Maras in the south of France, was made by Neanderthals who lived during the Middle Palaeolithic period, 30,000 to 300,000 years ago.

According to the researchers, the findings published in the journal Scientific Reports suggest Neanderthals would have needed basic numeracy skills to create bundles of fibres to make yarn, meaning their cognitive abilities may have been more advanced than previously thought.

An international team, led by Bruce Hardy, a professor of anthropology at Kenyon College in Ohio, US, analysed the cord fragment which was found twisted in three small bundles wrapped around a 60mm long stone tool. The scientists believe the cord may have been used as a handle for the tool or was part of a net or bag containing the implement.

More:
https://www.sciencefocus.com/news/40000-year-old-yarn-suggests-neanderthals-had-basic-maths-skills/