Neanderthals have an interest in visually harmonious motifs. The Neanderthals, who are cousins to modern men, are known to appreciate "art" even 40,000 years ago. There were burial sites were pigments, bird feathers, and shells were found - establishing the theory that Neanderthals have artistic intelligence and eye for aesthetics.
Neanderthals disappeared 38,000 years ago but a raven bone that traced 2,000 years further revealed another clue to their artistic intelligence. A 1.5-centimeter raven bone, deliberately etched with lines, was recently found at a site in Crimea. After a microscopic analysis of the said bone, scientists found out that there were six etches initially, but the creator added two more etches later to make the distances even.
According to paleontologist Francesco d'Errico of the University of Bordeaux, Neanderthals' artistic intelligence can be established. The maker of the bone etches displayed regularity and intent to produce visual appeal, PhysOrg reported. In fact, it was thought that the raven bone was made as a decorative piece.
Here is a catch; it is very difficult to accurately discern the motive behind relics left by ancient humans. Whether etches truly manifest Neanderthal intelligence is tough to ascertain. New Scientist said that there is a possibility that etches, incisions, and notches in bones or stones might have been accidentally made when butchering animals.
D'Errico argued that the nature of etches in the raven bone itself is sufficient to support the theory of Neanderthals' intelligence. Remember that there are six etches but two more were added later. Meaning, the grooves are not accidental, rather intentional.
The Neanderthals have walked alongside modern man for about 10,000 years. They lived some 200,000 years ago but vanished after 160,000 years. It has long been a subject of debates whether Neanderthals' intelligence is at par with that of the very first homo sapiens. At any rate, modern man has inherited about 2 to 4 percent of their genes due to interbreeding.
