Researchers Discover a 40.000-Year-Old Bracelet Made by an Extinct Human Species

HISTORY, 25 May 2015

EWAO – TRANSCEND Media Service

Researchers have confirmed the discovery of a 40.000-year-old bracelet made by an extinct human species in Siberia, Russia. 

May 19, 2015 – It is one of the most incredible discoveries in recent years, confirming that we have actually very little knowledge of our distant past. Researchers have confirmed that the discovered bracelet is over 40,000 year old. It was found in Siberia and is catalogued as the oldest piece of jewelry ever found on Earth. The sophisticated elaboration and design has left researchers wondering how it was possible that “early” humans could have made something like this.

While bracelets have been found pre-dating this discovery, Russian experts say this is the oldest known jewelry of its kind made of stone. Researchers have discovered the bracelet at a site called the Denisova Cave in Siberia, near  Russia’s  border with China and Mongolia. The bracelet was found with other objects such as extinct animal bones and other artifact that according to researchers, date back 125.000 years. This incredible item was discovered in 2008, and after extensive analysis and tests, experts have been able to confirm its age.

Anatoly Derevyanko, director of the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and his research team believe that the sediments from inside the Denisovan cave were not contaminated by human activities from later periods.

Polished zone of intensive contact with some soft organic material. General reconstruction of the view of the bracelet and compraison with the moders bracelet. Pictures: Anatoly Derevyanko and Mikhail Shunkov, Anastasia Abdulmanova

Polished zone of intensive contact with some soft organic material. General reconstruction of the view of the bracelet and compraison with the moders bracelet. Pictures: Anatoly Derevyanko and Mikhail Shunkov, Anastasia Abdulmanova

The ground around the artifacts and the piece of jewelry has been dated, by analysis of oxygen isotopes of having an age of 40,000 years.

“The skills of its creator were perfect. Initially we thought that it was made by Neanderthals or modern humans, but it turned out that the master was Denisovan.”

Researchers have also found a ring made to of marble among the artifacts of the cave, but experts have decided not to disclose any information about the finding until further research is done.

The traces of reparation on the cracks. Bracelet had suffered damage, including visible scratches and bumps. Pictures: Anatoly Derevyanko and Mikhail Shunkov

The traces of reparation on the cracks. Bracelet had suffered damage, including visible scratches and bumps. Pictures: Anatoly Derevyanko and Mikhail Shunkov

The Siberian Times quotes Dr Derevyanko, who wrote in the Russian magazine, Science First Hand, that when they studied the diameters of the bracelet, they found that the rotational speed of the drill must have been quite high, and with minimal fluctuations. This points to the fact that whoever made this incredible piece of jewelry, is most likely to have had some sort of technology that is similar to that of a modern drill.

“The ancient master” he said, “was skilled in techniques previously considered not characteristic for the Palaeolithic era, such as easel speed drilling, boring tool type rasp, grinding and polishing with a leather and skins of varying degrees of tanning.”

According to experts, this incredible bracelet was made from a stone called chlorite which was obtained from a quarry approximately 200 kilometers away, a fact that points to the organization and capabilities of ancient humans.

Drilling marks on Denisovan bracelet Anatoly Derevyanko and Mikhail Shunkov, Vera Salnitskaya

Drilling marks on Denisovan bracelet
Anatoly Derevyanko and Mikhail Shunkov, Vera Salnitskaya

According to Mikhail Shunkov, deputy director of the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography in Novosibirsk, part of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, this finding proves that these ancient humans were much more advanced that Homo sapiens and Neanderthals.

Commenting on its beauty, Anatoly Derevyanko added,

“The bracelet is stunning. In bright sunlight it reflects the sun rays, at night by the fire it casts a deep shade of green.”

________________________

Source and reference: Siberian Times. Article posted by Ivan.

Go to Original – ewao.com

Share this article:


DISCLAIMER: The statements, views and opinions expressed in pieces republished here are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of TMS. In accordance with title 17 U.S.C. section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. TMS has no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of this article nor is TMS endorsed or sponsored by the originator. “GO TO ORIGINAL” links are provided as a convenience to our readers and allow for verification of authenticity. However, as originating pages are often updated by their originating host sites, the versions posted may not match the versions our readers view when clicking the “GO TO ORIGINAL” links. This site contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political, human rights, economic, democracy, scientific, and social justice issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond ‘fair use’, you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.

2 Responses to “Researchers Discover a 40.000-Year-Old Bracelet Made by an Extinct Human Species”

  1. Andy Hoffman says:

    Absolutely brilliant article,Antonio. Thanks again for all your great work.