A Mid-Upper Palaeolithic human humerus from Eel Point, South Wales, UK.

Area of Science:

• Human Palaeontology
• Archaeology
• Isotope Geochemistry

Background:

• The Mid-Upper Palaeolithic period (Gravettian) in Britain is sparsely documented.
• Understanding early human presence and subsistence strategies is crucial for reconstructing Palaeolithic lifeways.

Observation:

• A human humerus was discovered at Eel Point, Caldey Island, Wales.
• Direct dating placed the humerus at 24,470 +/- 110 BP.
• Associated faunal remains included hyaena bone and coprolites, with no stone tools found.

Findings:

• The Eel Point humerus is the third oldest anatomically modern human specimen identified in Britain, following finds from Kent's Cavern and Paviland 1.
• The robusticity of the humerus suggests it belonged to a male individual.
• Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope data indicate limited reliance on marine food sources.

Implications:

• This discovery significantly expands the known geographical range of early modern humans in Britain during the Gravettian period.
• The context suggests the humerus may not be from an intentional burial, offering insights into depositional processes.
• Further research on contemporary faunal remains is needed to refine interpretations of human diet and subsistence strategies.