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Published on: November 30, 2021
Neandertals made the first specialized bone tools in Europe
Marie Soressi1, Shannon P McPherron, Michel Lenoir
1Faculty of Archaeology, Leiden University, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands.
Summary
Neandertals used specialized bone tools, called lissoirs, before modern humans arrived in Europe. This discovery challenges previous beliefs about Neandertal capabilities and cultural exchange between Neandertals and modern humans.
Area of Science:
- Paleoanthropology
- Archaeology
- European Prehistory
Background:
- Neandertals and modern humans coexisted in Europe around 40,000 years ago.
- Neandertals exhibited behaviors previously thought exclusive to modern humans, sparking debate on cultural origins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the origins of specialized bone tool (lissoir) use in Europe.
- To determine whether Neandertals independently developed advanced behaviors or were influenced by modern humans.
Main Methods:
- Excavation and analysis of Neandertal archaeological sites.
- Microwear analysis of bone tools to determine function.
Main Results:
- Identification of lissoir bone tools in a pre-replacement Neandertal context.
- Microwear patterns indicate use for hide preparation, similar to modern applications.
- These tools represent the oldest specialized bone tools found in Europe.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest Neandertals may have independently invented lissoir technology.
- Alternatively, the tools indicate early cultural influence from modern humans on Neandertals.
- The discovery could suggest cultural diffusion from Neandertals to modern humans, predating modern human use of similar tools in Europe.
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