ANT 101 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Stone Tool, Mousterian, Pleistocene
Document Summary
Neanderthals originally viewed as slow in wit, gait and habit but now seen as a member of our own genus. Had an occipital bun: a distinctive shelf or protrusion at the base of the skull; a feature usually associated with neanderthals. Neanderthal bones generally described as robust ( big-boned , heavy, thick- walled skeletal tissue, robust early hominins had very large teeth) more muscular strength/more powerful grip. Lived to late thirties or mid-forties, a rather long lifespan in antiquity. Stronger, and skeleton exhibit more damage as a result potentially from large game, or accident or violence. Neanderthal populations are generally associated with the manufacture of a variety of flake tools in groups of artifacts termed mousterian (a term describing the stone tool assemblage of the neanderthals during the middle. Paleolithic, named after the site of le moustier in france) Also used lavallois pieces (a technique for manufacturing large, thin flakes or points from a carefully prepared core)
