We are back from Winter break and hope you had a wonderful New Year, Happy 2023!

We left on in December talking about the important milestones in human evolution, and how they still can be used today. So Far, we’ve discussed stone tools, controlled fire, and building shelters. Links to those videos are in the description below.

Today, we’re going to talk about clothing. Specifically, the earliest evidence of using skins as clothing dating back to 320,000 years ago.

A new study published in the Journal of Human Evolution in December of 2022, has surfaced the oldest known evidence of ancient humans using bear skins to keep warm through the winter. Links are in the description below.

Reference here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0047248422001543?via%3Dihub

Today, we’ll take what this discovery implies and look at it from a practical point of view. And hopefully, in the end, I’ll be able to show you that caveman dressed better than you.

First, I get to talk about this because I’ve made clothes from skins for myself, and found out it can be quite a sophisticated project. But if you get it right, it will save your life. For example, using skins for clothing allows you to cheat hypothermia on a freezing desert night, even if you don’t have fire or shelter. That is a super power.

Second, tanning hides is a video all on its own. But it does make an amazingly breathable and soft leather. If you’re going to go through the work f tanning the hide and making clothing from it, You’re going to make sure that that clothing does its job, keeps you warm, and fits comfortably.

All this to say that 320, 000 years ago, ancient humans were wearing bespoke leathers and furs from head to toe, customized to fit their bodies with maximum comfort, and made of a soft, supple, painstakingly handcrafted material that breathes like a second skin and can save a life.

Sure beats a hoodie from Wal-Mart.