Neanderthal wooden tools from Spain found preserved in stone
Summary
Archaeologists in Spain found 597 wooden objects at a site where Neanderthals lived 62,000 to 40,000 years ago. The wood was preserved by a mineral crust that left detailed molds, showing that Neanderthals used wooden tools for many purposes, not just hunting.Key Facts
- The site is Abric Romaní, a rock shelter near Barcelona, Spain.
- Mineral-rich water created a limestone crust that preserved the shape of wooden tools as hollow molds.
- The wooden remains date from between 62,000 and 40,000 years ago.
- Out of 597 remains, 13 were clearly made or shaped by Neanderthals.
- Tools included spears, digging sticks, bark trays, parts of shelters, and a unique club.
- These finds show Neanderthals did woodworking often and for different activities, not only hunting.
- The molds are scanned and 3D printed to help researchers study and display the tools.
- Some wooden items were used near hearths, possibly for carrying food or handling embers.
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