A longtime New York financial executive, Hany Awadalla has an interest in travel that explores the ancient cultures and archaeology of destinations from Spain’s Galicia to Ethiopia. Hany Awadalla was particularly interested to visit the Dordogne valley in southwestern France, which is known for the rock shelter La Ferrassie.
The shelter was in use between 22,000 to 70,000 years ago, making it significant in unearthing evidence about the lives of Neanderthals and early humans. Early 20th-century excavations revealed the remains of male and female adult Neanderthals and proved that sexual dimorphism existed among them. Intentionally buried remains of infants, children, and fetuses further provided critical details about Neanderthal growth rates and processes.
The adult male “La Ferrassie 1” was a particularly important find, as he provided a ‘classic’ template of Neanderthal anatomy. His feet and leg bones indicate an upright gait that is nearly the same as modern humans, which refuted earlier theories. In addition, there is evidence that he may have used his heavily worn teeth as a tool. This could have involved holding a hide in place with the front teeth while he scraped i
