systlin starting this thread about the very interesting history of a Neanderthal bone tool that is still used today. It was a simple, yet super effective leather burnishing tool that has stood the test of time:
Also, are we gonna overlook the fact that Neanderthals were actually burnishing their leather goods??? Like, people always picture them as “primitive” and dressed in simple hides but come on, there’s proof of burnishing? They wore proper leather work and probably had a bunch of nice decorative detailing and stuff, beautiful tanning and staining can absolutely be done with “primitive” tools. Just imagine neanderthals in fancy leather boots and jackets, a feather in their hat, nice purses, knife sheaths and belts, they might even have had gloves, perhaps even oven mitts since they did cook with fire. Just because stuff like that tends to break down over time doesn’t mean some of them might have worn some seriously nice gear. Just imagine a neanderthal with a gucci bag and oven mitts. What a picture.
Also, are we gonna overlook the fact that Neanderthals were actually burnishing their leather goods??? Like, people always picture them as “primitive” and dressed in simple hides but come on, there’s proof of burnishing? They wore proper leather work and probably had a bunch of nice decorative detailing and stuff, beautiful tanning and staining can absolutely be done with “primitive” tools. Just imagine neanderthals in fancy leather boots and jackets, a feather in their hat, nice purses, knife sheaths and belts, they might even have had gloves, perhaps even oven mitts since they did cook with fire. Just because stuff like that tends to break down over time doesn’t mean some of them might have worn some seriously nice gear. Just imagine a neanderthal with a gucci bag and oven mitts. What a picture.