Neanderthal 51,000-year-old bone tools discovered in France

Researchers have discovered Neanderthal bone tools which were excavated at two neighboring Paleolithic sites in southwest France. The tools are unlike any others previously found in Neanderthal sites, but they are similar to a tool type well known from later modern human sites and still in use today by high-end leather workers, says Aninews.

The researchers believe the oldest tool is 51,000 years old, while the other three are between 42,000 and 47,000 years old. Similar tools are still used by leather workers, reports Richmond Times Dispatch.

Modern humans replaced Neandertals in Europe about 40,000 years ago but the Neandertals' capabilities are still greatly debated. Some argued that before they were replaced, Neandertals had cultural capabilities similar to modern humans, while others argued that these similarities only appear once modern humans came into contact with Neandertals, according to Bernama.