Artificial grooves on the Krapina Neanderthal teeth

Area of Science:

• Paleoanthropology
• Dental Microwear Analysis

Background:

• The Krapina Neanderthal site provides crucial insights into hominin behavior.
• Dental remains offer a unique window into past lifestyles and tool use.

Observation:

• Artificial grooves were identified on the cemento-enamel junction of 14 Krapina Neanderthal teeth from ten individuals.
• These grooves exhibit specific features: location on root walls, trough-like shape, striations, polishing, and reactive cementum ridges.

Findings:

• The observed grooves are morphologically distinct from pathological or natural dental features.
• The characteristics closely resemble artificial grooves attributed to toothpick use in other hominin populations.

Implications:

• The Krapina Neanderthals likely engaged in habitual interproximal dental cleaning using tools.
• This finding contributes to our understanding of Neanderthal daily practices and manual dexterity.