Final answer:
Neanderthals lived in shelters such as caves and huts, had a diverse diet hunting various animals and gathering plants, used sophisticated tools, and demonstrated complex social behaviors including intentional burials.
Step-by-step explanation:
Neanderthal Culture
The culture of Neanderthals is an intriguing subject in paleoanthropology, touching upon their shelter, clothing, diet, hunting, tools, and burial practices. Neanderthals were known to be intelligent and resourceful hunter-gatherers, adapting their skills to survive the harsh environments of the Paleolithic era.
Shelter and Housing
Caves were among the most famous examples of Neanderthal shelters, although the occurrence of cave habitation was not as common as once believed. Archaeological evidence such as hearth fires and constructed enclosures within caves exhibit their capacity to create enduring dwellings. Tents and huts with frames made from mammoth bones have also been discovered, indicating that Neanderthals could craft complex structures.
Diet and Hunting
Neanderthals’ diet was diverse, including wild grains, berries, honey, and meats from small to large mammals, alongside fish and shellfish. Hunting was a significant part of their lifestyle, and both males and females likely participated in these activities, as suggested by cranial injuries found on fossil remains.
Tools and Material Culture
Neanderthals used sophisticated tools and showed levels of creativity often underestimated in historical assessments. They worked with various materials to make tools essential for survival, indicating advanced cognitive abilities.
Burials
Evidence such as the Shanidar Cave flower burial site indicates that Neanderthals practiced intentional burial of their dead, possibly with cultural and symbolic importance. Common household items and decorative objects were sometimes placed in graves, hinting at complex social behaviors.