This is the oldest known string. It was made by a Neandertal
A cord fragment was found clinging to a stone tool at a French archaeological site
![SEM image of Neandetal string](https://i0.wp.com/www.sciencenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/040720_bb_cord_feat.jpg?fit=1028%2C579&ssl=1)
A scanning electron microscope photo shows a closeup view of fibers that were twisted into a string by Neandertals as early as 52,000 years ago. The ancient string fragment is about 6.2 millimeters long.
M.-H. Moncel