Neanderthal wooden tools preserved in stone molds found in Spain

Discovery of Preserved Wooden Tools

Archaeologists have cataloged 597 wooden Neanderthal tools from the Abric Romaní rock shelter in Capellades, Spain. These tools, dating between 62,000 and 40,000 years ago, were preserved due to mineral-rich water coating them in a limestone-like crust. As the wood decayed, it left behind hollow molds that retained the original shapes of the tools.

Diverse Range of Artifacts

The collection includes spears, digging sticks, bark trays, parts of shelters, and a unique club. This variety suggests that Neanderthals engaged in a wider array of woodworking activities than previously understood, extending beyond just hunting implements. The continuous presence of wood across different layers at Abric Romaní indicates that woodworking was a routine practice for Neanderthals.

Implications for Neanderthal Understanding

Unlike previous discoveries of wooden artifacts, which were primarily weapons found in waterlogged sediments, the Abric Romaní finds come from a long-term Neanderthal living site. This context provides insight into daily life, tool-making, and subsistence activities. The diversity of tools challenges earlier perceptions of Neanderthals, suggesting their capabilities were more complex than often portrayed.