Neanderthals used feathers as 'personal ornaments'

[xchrom]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-19623929


Ravens are among the birds whose remains are found at Neanderthal sites


Our evolutionary cousins the Neanderthals were harvesting feathers from birds in order to use them as personal ornaments, a study suggests.

The authors say the result provides yet more evidence that Neanderthal thinking ability was similar to our own.

The analysis even suggests they had a preference for dark feathers, which they selected from birds of prey and corvids - such as ravens and rooks.


Details of the research appear in Plos One journal.


Our views of Neanderthals have come a long way since this representation was painted in 1909

[OffWithTheirHeads]

1. Neanderthal thinking ability was similar to our own...Republicans.

[jimlup]

2. You've made a grave insult to

Neanderthals ... as they say in the Geico commercial "your words are hateful and I won't be coming to the pancake super tomorrow."

[Rincewind]

4. You are wrong,

Neanderthals took care of their sick, and crippled.

[alfredo]

3. The Raven has been revered all through our history.