May 7th , 2024
CHIRANJIT MITRA
Buried in a cave in northern Iraq, a Neanderthal skeleton named Shanidar Z offers a glimpse into another human species.
An adult female Neanderthal who lived approximately 75,000 years ago. Her skeleton was discovered in the 1950s.
Her bones show signs of trauma and healed wounds, hinting at a hard life in a challenging environment.
Despite injuries, she likely lived into her 40s, implying she received care from her community.
Found amidst a layer of pollen, suggesting an intentional burial and possible funerary rites.
Shanidar Z hints at Neanderthal complexity – they cared for their injured and might have practiced rituals.
Shanidar Z fosters debate on Neanderthals' intelligence, social organization, and relationship to modern humans.
Shanidar Z is just one piece of the puzzle. Ongoing discoveries continually shape our understanding of past humanity.