Ancient cultures and living organisms that inhabited the planet before modern humans are particularly interesting to anthropologists. Any discoveries can answer old unsolved questions about the history of the development and evolution of humanity. A recent discovery by scientists from the University of Madrid may help better understand prehistoric people’s culture and development. Some of the theses put forward by the expedition conducted in one of the caves of Spain allow reconsidering today’s opinions about the primitiveness of the Neanderthals.
One important recent discovery was the discovery of cuts on animal skulls. Such distinctive man-made cuts could indicate the existence of specific cultural practices among groups of Neanderthals (Domínguez, par.2). This is at odds with the generally accepted idea that they could not have had sufficiently developed cultural institutions at that stage. However, the remains of bones discovered by a group of scientists are over 40,000 years old, which falls on when Neanderthals (Domínguez, par.2) lived in the area. In addition, the skulls of various animals must be deliberately altered so that they do not look like other animals did it.
The information cited above needs a qualified and accurate analysis so that certain conclusions can be drawn. The article says that “Neanderthals had complex minds that could manage symbols and perform “ceremonies” revolving around the skulls of fearsome animals” (Domínguez, par. 3). This means that previous knowledge in this area was not complete enough, and now the teachings can understand more about the traditional life of the Neanderthals. Moreover, “Neanderthals created symbols and places of worship, just as humans do today” (Domínguez, par. 7). Such a hypothesis tells that people not only instinctively survived and had a primitive community but also based their way of life on religion and worship.
In conclusion, it is important to note that the discovery of special cuts on animal skulls described in this work may indicate the existence of special rituals associated with religious and cultural motives. Thus, the expedition carried out provides grounds for revising the current position on the behavioral patterns of prehistoric people. The study of the found bones and their detailed analysis may allow conducting more detailed research on this topic in the future.
Work Cited
Domínguez, Nuño. “Animal Skulls Found in a Spanish Cave May Reveal Neanderthal Rituals.” El País, Web.