New research suggests early humans may have gained a crucial edge during the Ice Age thanks to their ingenuity in crafting warm clothing, specifically garments resembling parkas. This development, according to a team at Simon Fraser University in Canada, could be a key factor in why our ancestors thrived while Neanderthals perished.
The study, published in the Journal of Anthropological Archaeology, involved a meticulous analysis of campsites used by both early humans and Neanderthals. A significant difference emerged – the types of animal remains found around each group’s settlements. Neanderthal sites lacked the kind of fur-bearing creatures that would have been ideal for creating warm clothing.
On the other hand, campsites frequented by early humans displayed a wealth of animal remains perfect for crafting parkas – fox, rabbit, mink, and most importantly, wolverine. The wolverine, with its thick fur, is prized even today by Arctic communities for its exceptional warmth-trapping properties. Its presence near early human settlements suggests its fur may have been used for parka liners and hoods.
This evidence aligns with other discoveries hinting at early human tailoring skills. Bone needles and tools used for processing pelts have been unearthed, and a set of figurines from Siberia, estimated to be 24,000 years old, depicts figures adorned in parka-like clothing. Conversely, no such evidence exists for Neanderthals.
The researchers theorize that Neanderthals may not have possessed the necessary skills or perhaps their cultural traditions hindered them from adopting such practices. This lack of adaptability in the face of a harsh environment could have ultimately sealed their fate.