Hand to Mouth in a Neandertal: Right-Handedness in Regourdou 1

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0043949
• Publication Date: 2012-08-22T21:26:00Z
• Authors: Virginie Volpato; Roberto Macchiarelli; Debbie Guatelli-S...; Ivana Fiore; Luca Bondioli; David W. Frayer
• Keywords: Postcrania; Left and right

We describe and analyze a Neandertal postcranial skeleton dentition, which together show unambiguous signs of right-handedness. Asymmetries between the left right upper arm in Regourdou 1 were identified nearly 20 years ago, then confirmed by more detailed analyses inner bone structure for clavicle, humerus, radius ulna. The total pattern all bones shoulder reveals that was right-hander. Confirmatory evidence comes from mandibular incisors, display distinct oblique scratches, typical right-handed manipulations performed at front mouth. Regourdou's handedness is consistent with strong manual lateralization Neandertals further confirms modern brain dominance, presumably signally linguistic competence. These observations along cultural, genetic morphological indicate language competence their European precursors.