The new evidence indicates that Neandertals were making bone-tipped projectile weapons at least 50,000 years earlier than previously thought. Quite the opposite – in 2016, researchers found a 80,000 year-old bone fragment in archeological Mezmaiskaya cave site, located in the North Caucasus. This very old artifact once likely functioned as the sharp end of a hunting implement. This remarkable finding overturns centuries-old misconceptions about the mental capacity of Neandertals.
Archaeologist L.V. Golovonova and all of their comrades described their discoveries in the July issue of the Journal of Archaeological Science. The bone fragment is about the size of a U.S. postage stamp. It exhibits evidence of changes, such as sawn, carved and sharpened borders. This analysis indicates that this unique artifact would have been fixed to the end of shaft. Perhaps it created some kind of a spear or other projectile weapon.
As the researchers explain, the bone exhibits evidence of weathering, as well as dark speckled paint-like markings. Close up photographs from three different angles uncover its rich texture, strongly suggesting practical use and wear in action. In addition, the piece has bitumen residue, which supports the theory that it was made for use as a spear-thrower.
Justin Bradfield, an archaeologist who participated in the study, commented on the significance of the discovery. He stated that Neandertals are “not traditionally thought to have been cognitively capable of such advanced technology.” This claim marks the need for new proof. It signals high levels of tools manufacture long assumed limited to Homo sapiens.
A detailed comparative analysis reveals striking parallels in workmanship between Neandertal carved bones and sharpened antlers. These discoveries apply to projectile weapons developed by Homo sapiens. The researchers found similarities in how both kinds of tools were designed. This surprising result means that the Neandertals may have independently conceived of these weapons long before any modern human groups reached Europe.
This finding indicates that Neandertals probably began producing projectiles from animal bones far earlier than once thought. In actuality, they might have started this practice as much as 50,000 years before! Previous digs in the caves at Mezmaiskaya had found the remains of three Neandertal adults. These conclusions, matched with identified hunted prey animals, illustrate that these prehistoric humans engaged in advanced hunting practices.
As Malvina Baumann, another archaeologist who helped produce the study, offered a sobering counterpoint to the news. “From a hunting perspective, the Mezmaiskaya point appears too light and fragile to have functioned as the lethal tip of a weapon,” she noted. This 2040 vision opens the door to fresh avenues for research. This raises interesting questions as to how these artifacts were used functionally and whether or not they were effective hunting tools.
The bone point’s age suggests that Neandertals may have developed bone-tipped projectiles before Homo sapiens arrived in the Caucasus around 34,000 years ago. About then, Homo sapiens began radiating their bone-tipped technology. The oldest material evidence for this innovation is found more than 90,000 years ago and as recently as 62,000 years ago.
Neandertals showed their creativity by making pointed wooden spears at least 300,000 years ago. That research into their technological capabilities has repeatedly led to a reconceptualization of both the depth of their evolutionary past and the cognitive skills involved.
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