On Being Neandertal

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On Being Neandertal
By Chris Stout
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Introduction
Between 400,000 and 200,000 years ago, erectus
was gradually replaced by somewhat more
sapien-looking species in Africa and Asia
collectively known as Archaic Homo Sapiens.
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The Origin of Neandertal
Approximately 100,000 years ago archaic Homo
sapiens were proceeded by a species named
neandertal.
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Neandertals Physical Makeup
Short and Stocky Huge Head Heavy
Browridge Sloping Brows Elliptical Head Short
Neck Extra Thick Arm and Leg Bones Larger Brain
Than His Presumed Ancestors
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Theoretical Reasons For Features
Neandertals lived during the last great
continental glaciation. These features may
represent adaptations to life in their cold
environment.
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Archeological Belief
Many archaeologists attribute advanced forms of
symbolic behavior and thought to the Neandertals.
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Advanced Forms of Symbolism and Thought?
Archeologist have found Pendant like objects
made from bone, antlers, and canine teeth of a
fox, as personal adornments. A polished section
of a mammoths tooth Bone engraved with zigzag
lines have also been found.
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Neandertal Burials ?
Traces of red ochre have been detected near the
skeletons. Stone tools and parts of bears and
other mammal skeletons found along side or on top
of neandertal remains. Pollen grains found on the
skeleton of a Neandertal male.
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Coincidence ?
Bones and tools may be a chance association with
the remains of a meal. Traces of red ochre may
simply indicate the occurrence of ochre bearing
soil. Ornaments may be nothing more than a doodle
made out of bone and teeth. Perhaps the wind
deposited the flowers on the grave site.
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What About Deliberate Burials ?
Neandertal skeletal remains have been found near
or in caves. Behaviorally, one must note that
these cave were habitation sites and that burial
would be the only way of disposing of a decaying
body while keeping it close to its life long
companions.
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Graves may have been shallow due to the lack of
digging tools which naturally made it easier to
dig shallow holes. This may explain why the
skeletons were in the fetal position, so they
could fit into the holes. Flowers, the only
perfume available, may have been used to cover
the smell of the decaying body.
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Other Grounds for Skepticism
Neandertals vocal tract resembles that of a
chimpanzee. Pharnyx is much less developed than
that of our kind.
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Conclusion
Author, Marvin Harris, states the facts and
finding of the Neandertal species, but never
gives his own personal opinion as to whether they
were the first to achieve cultural take off.