World's oldest string found at French Neanderthal site

[Stringmaker]

Well I would have to post this with my username wouldn't I

http://www.newscientist.com/article...gn=twitter&cmpid=SOC|NSNS|2012-GLOBAL-twitter

Some snippets:

"At 90,000 years old, the material purported to be string predates the arrival of Homo sapiens in Europe. That means the Neanderthals occupying the French site learned to make it themselves, rather than imitating modern humans, says Hardy. In fact, a growing body of evidence suggests our extinct cousins developed a number of sophisticated behaviours – and perhaps even taught some skills to our species when the two met."

Interesting hypothesis; albeit not completely proven via the string but quite compelling.

 

[Toddy]

I really can't see why they wouldn't have developed such skills, I really can't.
Hominids existing in the cold as they did need the ability to create clothing, shelter, and hunting techniques. Cordage is the right up there with fire I reckon

Thank you for the links
M

 

[Stringmaker]

I agree entirely; necessity being the mother of invention and all that.

The tricky bit of course as you know is getting the evidence.

 

[Jared]

Interesting, though rather frustrating at the same time

If they have cordage and are threading objects onto it, surely the development of the needle couldn't have been far off if they didn't have it by then.

 

[John Fenna]

"Rope is thicker
But string is quicker"
S Milligan
and right as usual!
I agree that string is as needed as fire for even primitive living.
Even the simplest of bindings is made stronger with multiple strands twisted together - my nettle cordage will easily hold 30lbs...

 

[Goatboy]

So it's kind of an early "string-theory"? I'll get my coat...

Cheers for posting, miss not getting my New Scientist. I don't see why they wouldn't have had some sort of cordage.

 

[Seagull]

Cyrus Day probably right then.
Another new hat, if were still with us.
Ceeg