Imagine battling the harsh European winter 300,000 years ago. Our ancestors, far removed from the comforts of modern life, faced a constant struggle against the elements. A recent study published in the Journal of Human Evolution sheds light on a potential solution they employed: bear skins.
Researchers from the University of Tübingen, the Senckenberg Centre for Human Evolution and Palaeoenvironment, and Leiden University meticulously examined the fossilized remains of a cave bear discovered at the Schöningen site in Germany. Their analysis revealed a crucial detail – intricate cut marks on the metatarsal and phalanx bones, parts of the foot and paw. These marks, according to lead researcher Ivo Verheijen, point towards a fascinating revelation: the deliberate removal of the bear’s skin.
Traditionally, cut marks on bones are associated with meat consumption. However, the scarcity of meat on these particular bones suggests a different purpose. The researchers propose that the meticulous and precise nature of the cuts signifies a careful skinning process. This newfound evidence rewrites the narrative, suggesting that early humans utilized bear skins for warmth as far back as 300,000 years ago.
Why bear skins? The answer lies in the unique properties of a bear’s coat. It consists of two distinct layers: a long, coarse outer layer that provides protection from the elements, and a dense inner layer that offers exceptional insulation. This combination, particularly valuable for hibernating bears, would have provided crucial warmth for early humans braving the harsh winters. “These cut marks,” explains Verheijen, “indicate that people in northern Europe were able to survive the winter thanks in part to warm bear skins.”
The question remains – were these bears hunted specifically for their skins, or were the skins obtained through scavenging? Schöningen, known for yielding the world’s oldest spears, fuels the debate on the origins of hunting. While definitive proof is elusive, Verheijen highlights some intriguing clues. Firstly, the Schöningen site contains only the remains of adult bears, which is often seen as a potential indicator of hunting practices. Secondly, removing the skin requires swift action after an animal’s death, as the hair deteriorates rapidly. “Since the animal was skinned,” Verheijen reasons, “it couldn’t have been dead for long at that point.”
Professor Nicholas Conard, head of the Schöningen research project, emphasizes the significance of this discovery. The location and nature of the cut marks suggest the deliberate exploitation of cave bears for their skins, not just their meat. “Animals were not only used for food,” explains Conard, “but their pelts were also essential for survival in the cold.” This adaptation, the utilization of bear skins for warmth, represents a crucial step in the evolutionary journey of early humans, enabling them to thrive in harsh environments.
The Schöningen findings offer a fascinating glimpse into the resourcefulness of our ancestors. Their ability to utilize readily available materials like bear skins for warmth speaks volumes about their ingenuity and adaptability. As we continue to unravel the secrets of the past, such discoveries offer a deeper understanding of how early humans not only survived but thrived in challenging environments.
Source: University of Tübingen