Passage Content
欧州の研究チームが、５万年前の装身具をスペインの洞窟()で見つけたという。小さな穴が開いた貝殻（注１）で、紐を通して首飾りにしたらしい。中には顔料（注２）とおぼしき（注３）オレンジ色の鉱物が付着したものがあり、「化粧」の道具にも使っていたようだ。 今の人類が欧州に広がったのは約４万年前。ということは、入れ替わるように衰勢となった①ネアンデルタール人が貝細工（注４）を残したことになる。絶滅の理由は知能の未発達とされてきたが、実はそこそこ知的で、おしゃれだったのではないか。 狩猟のための石器と違い、生存に関係のない装飾品には遊び心がのぞく。動物の骨や歯、木の実なども使ったことだろう。森や浜で、あれこれ見つくろう姿が浮かんでくる。 さらには顔料である。高橋雅夫氏の『化粧ものがたり』によると、古代人にとってオレンジ色は②特別な意味を持っていた。それは、恐ろしい闇を追い払ってくれる朝日の輝きであり、暖をとり、獲物の肉を焼くたき火の色だった。喜びと幸せの色だ。 水面に映る己の姿を見ながら、貝殻で飾り、顔や体を祝いの彩りに染める。彼らが生存競争に敗れたのは、足りない知恵のせいではなく、あふれる優しさが災いした（注５）のかもしれない。驚きの発見に推論を重ねて、あるところからは想像の一人旅。考古学の愉悦（注６）である。
Reference translation
English
An European research team reportedly found 50,000-year-old ornaments in a cave in Spain. They were shells with small holes, which seem to have been strung together to make necklaces. Some of them had orange minerals attached to them, thought to be pigments, suggesting they were also used as "makeup" tools.
Modern humans spread across Europe about 40,000 years ago. This means that the Neanderthals, who declined as if being replaced, left behind these shell crafts. The reason for their extinction was previously thought to be underdeveloped intelligence, but perhaps they were actually quite intelligent and stylish.
Unlike stone tools for hunting, ornaments that have nothing to do with survival reveal a playful spirit. They probably also used animal bones, teeth, and nuts. One can picture them selecting various items in forests and on beaches.
Furthermore, there are pigments. According to Masao Takahashi's "A Story of Makeup," orange held a special meaning for ancient people. It was the brilliance of the morning sun that chased away terrifying darkness, and the color of the bonfire that provided warmth and roasted game meat. It was the color of joy and happiness.
Gazing at their own reflections in the water, decorating themselves with shells, and painting their faces and bodies in festive colors. Perhaps their defeat in the struggle for survival was not due to a lack of wisdom, but rather because their overflowing kindness worked against them. Building inferences upon surprising discoveries, and from a certain point, setting off on a solo journey of imagination. This is the pleasure of archaeology.
Multiple Choice Questions (3)
Question 1７①ネアンデルタール人が貝細工を残したことになると考えられる理由は何か。
Question 2８②特別な意味とはどういう意味か。
Question 3９ 筆者は、ネアンデルタール人の知能についてどう教えているか。
