A handful of tiny fragments are sometimes enough to determine what some Neanderthal ate for breakfast, what ailments afflicted her, what was the color of her skin and whether her parents were first cousins.Įvery year, enormous amounts of new data about Neanderthals gush forth in scientific journals. Over the past few decades novel techniques to analyze stone, bone and DNA have made it possible to reconstruct what occurred around a Neanderthal campfire 100,000 years ago. New technologies have also revolutionized the study of Neanderthals and other ancient humans. Even more important, new technologies might make it possible to re-engineer Homo sapiens, or to create completely new kinds of humans. New technologies might soon make it possible to resurrect the Neanderthals. In 1856, it seemed that Neanderthals belonged safely to the past, and that Homo sapiens would forever dominate the great chain of being. These questions are now more urgent than ever. Neanderthals force us to question the belief that Homo sapiens is the apex of creation and, more generally, what it means to be human. Just by being, Neanderthals challenge some of our most cherished ideals and delusions.

While we find it easy to accept that the world is home to different kinds of bears, foxes and dolphins, we are startled by the idea of other species of humans. KINDRED Neanderthal Life, Love, Death and Art By Rebecca Wragg SykesĮver since we discovered their existence in 1856, Neanderthals have captured our imagination.

Kindred by rebecca wragg sykes