Desiree answers “Is there any anthropological research...”

Orestis asked this question about The Clan of the Cave Bear (Earth's Children, #1):

Is there any anthropological research behind this books or it is totally fictional?

Desiree She did do research when writing her novels however there were some things she wrote that were later found to be untrue in the pre-historic era. For e…moreShe did do research when writing her novels however there were some things she wrote that were later found to be untrue in the pre-historic era. For example, the Neanderthals in "Clan of the Cave Bear" spoke in grunt and sign language (they weren't able to make speech) but it was discovered that Neanderthals most likely could talk and communicate in speech and not noise (this was found years later after the book was published) Another thing is the appearance of Ayla, having a fair complexion, blue eyes and blonde hair. I've read in research that Cro-Magnans would have likely had a darker complexion and hair. Other "cavemen" books I read did have a skin complexion differentiation with Neanderthals and Cro-Magnans such as "The Inheritors" and "Dance of the Tiger" (I believe). Why? I am not sure.
The Neanderthals in "Clan of the Cave Bear" were quite smart, however, able to understand medicine, basic hunting, cooking, counting, making clothes etc., which is true to the Neanderthals in the past (most likely).
As the previous responded stated this isn't a book one should take to heart on whether is true or not, I still come across articles, reports etc. of new discoveries about the Neanderthals and Cro-Magnans so there is still a lot to learn about them. It is still a very good book and is close to what they would have lived back then how the media use to portray them. (less)

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The Clan of the Cave Bear

by Jean M. Auel

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