My first thought:
I'm going to laugh really hard if that was just a common, every-day mundane object like a back scratcher. Or maybe a butt-scratcher? Or maybe it was strung together and polished to be used as a prehistoric BDSM sex toy? Or maybe not jewelry and some more pragmatic use?
I do seriously question the article when it cites these scientists who question the abstract thought of the Neanderthal, as having what seems to be ceremonial burials is a very strong indication of abstract thought.
But, then again, it is Yahoo news, which most definitely does not produce very good news.