THE CRADLE OF THOUGHT: GROWTH, LEARNING, PLAY AND ATTACHMENT IN NEANDERTHAL CHILDREN

Bibliographic Collection: 
APE
Publication Type: Journal Article
Authors: Spikins, P.; Hitchens, G.; Needham, A.; Rutherford, H.
Year of Publication: 2014
Journal: Oxford Journal of Archaeology
Volume: 33
Start Page: 111
Issue: 2
Pagination: 111-134
Date Published: 05/2014
Publication Language: eng
Abstract:

Childhood is a core stage in development, essential in the acquisition of social, practical and cultural skills. However, this area receives limited attention in archaeological debate, especially in early prehistory. We here consider Neanderthal childhood, exploring the experience of Neanderthal children using biological, cultural and social evidence. We conclude that Neanderthal childhood experience was subtly different from that of their modern human counterparts, orientated around a greater focus on social relationships within their group. Neanderthal children, as reflected in the burial record, may have played a particularly significant role in their society, especially in the domain of symbolic expression. A consideration of childhood informs broader debates surrounding the subtle differences between Neanderthals and modern humans.

DOI: 10.1111/ojoa.12030
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