Recently I came across some information about a little known extinct species of historic humans not of the genetic line of Neanderthals nor our own species of Homo Sapiens. Their remains are found in the Denisova Cave in Siberia, along with the bones of Neanderthals and numerous creatures such as wooly mammoth and a type of zebra-horse. These particular remains are from 40,000 years ago.
Whereas the DNA of many modern humans is around 4% percent Neanderthal due to ancient interbreeding, Denisovan DNA is only found in inhabitants of Oceania—especially Melanesians in Papua New Guinea, Native Americans, and Asians. Denisovan DNA makes up 5% of the first and only 0.2% of the latter two.
The Denisovan discovery occurred in 2008 when a piece of finger bone was found in a lower layer of the cave. A DNA expert familiar with Neanderthals and other ancient species identified it as that of a little girl, but of a heretofore unknown species. Not Neanderthal. Not Homo Sapiens. Can you imagine the excitement of this discovery? It gives me chills. Later, teeth fragments materialized and turned out to be from a different Denisovan than the little girl.
A beautiful green chlorite stone bracelet was also found. Due to its remarkable craftsmanship, it was first thought to be made by more modern humans. In the most exciting portion of this story, that conclusion has now been ruled out. The bracelet was made and worn by a Denisovan. The technology involved in the making of the bracelet included boring stone, drilling with an implement, and grinding. The Denisovans are now considered to have developed to a higher technological level than the Neanderthals or Homo Sapiens of that time. I have to interject here my long held belief, first attained in fourth grade, that humans have populated earth, reached a high level of technology and culture, and then become extinct many times. Are the Denisovans an example of this?
There is also apparently a mysterious Denisovan ring, but details of it have not yet been released. I long to know more about these ancient peoples, don’t you?
Cheers & Happy Reading!
Flossie Benton Rogers, Conjuring the Magic in Romance
I remember when Cave of the Bear Clan came out. There were ‘experts’ who insisted that the premise of the story was impossible because Neanderthals and Humans never crossed path. Now we know that is not true. That in fact many of us have Neanderthal. And honestly, I’ve seen some that look to be pure Neanderthal. And then there is the issue she was writing fiction. So that means those experts were idiots in all ways. Can you imagine if she had added a superior race of Denisovans in her books. Yikes! The experts’ brains would have exploded.
Great insight, Liza. The old guard is always fighting against new information it seems. I am so thankful to all authors who push the boundaries. It’s an extra cherry on the cake for her to have been right! Thank you for stopping by and commenting!
Wow! Never heard of Denisovans. How interesting and highly possible.
what makes me smile is the fact that no matter in what age, women always wore jewellery.
Thank you for this extremely captivating post, Flossie. I will google it to find out more. Your post stirred my curiosity.
They are named after the cave. I’m not sure how it’s pronounced, but in my head I accented the second syllable. I love your jewelry comment, Carmen! How are you doing?
Fascinating! I’ve never heard of these people, but I’m sure the discoveries set off a flurry of excitement in scientific circles. I never read Clan of the Cave Bear but I know it is held in high regard by many. Great post today!
Thank you, Mae! I’m glad you found the post interesting. You’d probably enjoy Clan of the Cave Bear.
You always come up with the most interesting facts.
I’m glad you found it interesting, Cathy!