Strike Another Blow for Neanderthals

[Minimalist]

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/20 ... 152917.htm

ScienceDaily (Mar. 15, 2011) — A new study involving the University of Colorado Boulder shows clear evidence of the continuous control of fire by Neanderthals in Europe dating back roughly 400,000 years, yet another indication that they weren't dimwitted brutes as often portrayed.

[kbs2244]

“continuous control “

An interesting choice of words.

I am assuming it means once they had one going at one place they could keep it going.

But could they move it around?
From their cave to their neighbors cave.
From one seasonal camp site to another?

[Minimalist]

they could keep it going.

Or perhaps merely re-ignite it at will?

[kbs2244]

When I read the whole article to end I found this paragraph.

“Many archaeologists believe Neanderthals and other early hominids struck pieces of flint with chunks of iron pyrite to create the sparks that made fire and may well have conserved and transported fire from site to site.”

That is a big jump.

“Controlling” fire could mean using it, carrying it from place to place, etc after you had found something burning.

But “making” fire or starting fires goes well beyond that.
That is a something that I doubt many modern men, that don’t have a Bic, can do.

[Minimalist]

That is a big jump.

Indeed. In fact, until we see another animal doing it we can safely assume that it is a uniquely human behavior.

[Digit]

But could they move it around?

Yes! In Europe a number of Fungi, names escape me, will smolder, and I saw a demo of one such in a survival programme.

Roy.

[kbs2244]

You are right.
I remember the technique.

You would get a fist sized lump of moss smoldering and the carry it with you so you had a fire starter at your next campsite.

I wonder how long it took them to figure that one out?
And come up with the right container (gord, pot....???) to carry it in.
If a clay pot, then maybe the first concept of fire glazeing?

[Digit]

Based on a very litte experience kb I would suggest the container may well have been a horn.

Roy.

[kbs2244]

Whatever.
Carrying around a preexisting fire is a lot easier than being able to “make” fire at will.

[Minimalist]

The capability to do both seems vital. Even back then it rained and not having to worry about finding dry tinder every evening would have been important.
Of course if it rained for 4 days straight nothing would be dry anyway.

[Minimalist]

And HNS' standing gets a tad higher.


http://news.discovery.com/archaeology/n ... 10420.html

A possible Neanderthal burial ground suggests that they practiced funeral rituals and possessed symbolic thought before modern humans.