Basically, Tinshemet Cave shows that:
Neanderthals and early humans were not living apart. They did things the same way, especially when burying their dead. They used red paint (ochre) in their burials, meaning they had similar beliefs. They used the same tools and hunting methods.
This indicates that Neanderthals and Homo sapiens in the Levant region were interacting and influencing each other, rather than simply existing separately.This is evidence that cultural exchange was happening. The way that the bodies are positioned, and the placement of objects within the graves, show a great similarity to other sites in the region. This shows a cultural trend happening across the different hominin populations. The large amount of ochre found at the site, and the evidence that it was brought from distant locations, shows that it was important to these people. This is a sign of symbolic thought.
Main Researchers:
Prof. Yossi Zaidner (Hebrew University of Jerusalem) he is a leading figure in the Tinshemet Cave excavations. His work focuses on understanding the cultural and technological behaviors of Middle Paleolithic hominins. Prof. Israel Hershkovitz (Tel Aviv University) he is also a key contributor to the research, particularly in the analysis of the human remains. His lab is where the delicate work of exposing the skeletons is being done. Dr. Marion Prévost she is a researcher who is providing important information regarding the context of the location, and how the climate and geography of the area effected the hominin populations.
Ancient DNA:
While the archaeological evidence is strong, ancient DNA analysis is crucial for definitively identifying the hominin species present. Researchers are working on extracting and analyzing DNA from the Tinshemet Cave remains. This will help clarify the genetic relationships between the individuals found there and other Neanderthal and Homo sapiens populations. Researchers have stated that one skeleton that has been removed from the rock it was incased in, is not a Neanderthal. Further DNA testing will give a more concrete answer.
2 responses