597 Wooden Artifacts from Abric Romaní Reveal Neanderthal Woodworking Prowess
Researchers have uncovered 597 ancient wooden objects at the Abric Romaní archaeological site near Barcelona, Spain, revealing insights into Neanderthal craftsmanship. Published on October 7 in Science Advances, the findings date back 40,000 to 62,000 years, and have been explored since the 1980s by the Catalan Institute of Human Paleoecology and Social Evolution (IPHES-CERCA). The collection features items such as utensils and tools, with 13 showing evidence of deliberate modification by Neanderthals, suggesting a higher level of cognitive complexity akin to modern humans. Experts believe these discoveries may represent only a fraction of Neanderthal technological capabilities.
Key facts
- 597 wooden artifacts were documented at Abric Romaní in Spain, dated between 40,000 and 62,000 years old.
- The artifacts include trays, plates, weapons, and other items, showing Neanderthals were skilled woodworkers.
- The study was published in Science Advances on October 7.
- Abric Romaní is located about 30 miles west of Barcelona and has been excavated since the 1980s.
- 13 objects were clearly shaped by human hands, including bark trays, wooden poles, pointed sticks, and a possible club.
- Periodic flooding helped preserve the wood by depositing minerals that formed travertine.
- Researchers poured resin into imprints to create casts and scanned artifacts to make 3D models.
- Experts not involved in the study, such as Chris Stringer and Naoki Morimoto, commented on the significance of the findings.
Entities
Artists
- M. Gema Chacón
- Josep Vallverdú
- Palmira Saladié
- Chris Stringer
- Naoki Morimoto
- Hugo Prades
- Andrew Curry
- Gayoung Lee
- James Woodford
- Sara Hashemi
Institutions
- Catalan Institute of Human Paleoecology and Social Evolution (IPHES-CERCA)
- Science Advances
- Science
- Gizmodo
- Natural History Museum in London
- New Scientist
- Kyoto University
- Smithsonian Magazine
Locations
- Abric Romaní
- Barcelona
- Spain
- Italy
- Germany
- Lehringen
- London
- United Kingdom
- Kyoto
- Japan
- New York City
- United States