Ancient Shoes Found in Spanish Cave Challenge Assumptions about Early Humans

Scientists have discovered 6,200-year-old grass sandals in a cave in Spain, making them the oldest woven grass footwear found in Europe. The findings challenge assumptions about early human communities in the region and provide evidence of basketry among hunter-gatherer societies and early agrarian communities. The objects, including baskets and organic tools, were made of reed and esparto grass and date back to the early and middle Holocene period. The discovery offers insights into the social aspects of early human groups and highlights the enduring tradition of using esparto grass in Spain and Portugal.