Neanderthals left behind various clues about their enigmatic lives. But less is known about their spiritual sides. Some archaeologists and anthropologists believe these early humans, who disappeared more than 30,000 years ago, may have engaged in what could be deemed ritualistic or sacred activities.
For instance, we know that Neanderthals buried their dead, accumulated animal skulls in caves for seemingly symbolic purposes, created rock art and etched symbolic drawings on bear bones. They also removed feathers from birds, possibly for use as adornments, and likely made use of eagle talons as pendants. At times, they engaged in cannibalism, leading to speculation among scholars as to whether it was done for ritual reasons.
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