New research suggests that our extinct cousins, the Neanderthals, created a large-scale “fat factory” around 125,000 years ago in what is now Germany. They intensively processed animal bones to extract bone grease, which was rich in vital nutrients and calories. This discovery provides valuable insights into the cognitive and behavioral capabilities of prehistoric hominins.
According to study author Wil Roebroeks from Leiden University, ancient hunter-gatherers like Neanderthals believed that muscle meat was “dog’s food” due to its high protein content. To stay healthy, they needed a lot of carbohydrates or fat, which led them to process animal bones into bone grease.
The discovery was made at the Neumark-Nord site in Germany, where researchers found fragments of 172 large mammals, including horses and deer. The fragments were likely derived from fat-rich bones, which were pounded and then heated to extract the grease.
This finding is significant not only because it shows that Neanderthals had sophisticated techniques for processing animal bones but also because it reveals a level of forward planning and organization. The researchers believe that the bone grease was stored in dried form or added to food to make it more nutritious.
The study’s discovery adds to our understanding of the cognitive abilities of prehistoric hominins, challenging the idea that they were solely focused on immediate gratification. Instead, it suggests that they may have had a capacity for delayed gratification and even storage of food.
Source: https://www.iflscience.com/125000-year-old-neanderthal-fat-factory-shows-they-gorged-on-bone-grease-79843