Neanderthal and the oldest evidence of body adornment with feathers. Excavation at Grotta di Fumane, Italy.

The evidence from Grotta di Fumane proves that our relatives achieved a level of behavioral complexity that was not culturally transmitted or mimicked via incoming modern humans. Furthermore, the backdating of the acquisition of valuable elements of bird plumage opens the door to further perspectives in the exploration of the interactions that led them manifesting an interest in a form of symbolic behavior. The project aims to reinforce and push back in time this discovery by executing further excavation campaigns addressed to the search of bird bones. In fact, specimens such as these, require further extensive taphonomic analyses of larger assemblages. To accomplish this project, we plan to continue the excavation of layer A9 at the entrance of the cave for a couple of years. Progetto di Ricerca finanziato con 13.700 euro da National Geographic Society, Committee for Research and Exploration, 9022-11.