Four photographs of the tapered part of the specimen. The white rectangles marked with numbers indicate: 1 – The red brown coloring areas of the type caused by the heat at the tip; 2 – Location of the photograph of bitumen residues. Credit: Liubov V. Golovanova et al
An international team has found the oldest spear point ever found in Europe and notes that it was shaped by the Neanderthals. In their article published in the Journal of Archaeological ScienceThe group describes how and where the spearhead was found, its condition and what they learned from it thanks to an in -depth study.
The spearhead was found in 2003 in a layer of sediment in a cave in the North Caucasus, in Russia, as well as a multitude of bones of various animals, as well as the remains of a campfire. It was only recently that the spearhead has been fully examined.
The research team used spectroscopy, computed tomography and other microscopy techniques and was able to verify that the spear tip (which was 9 cm long) was made from the bone of an animal, probably a bison. He had also been attached to a wooden tree using a type of tar.
The team was also able to go out with the lance between 80,000 and 70,000 years. This predates the arrival of modern humans in Europe (around 45,000 years ago), leaving Neanderthals as probable manufacturers of the tip of the lance.
A more in -depth study of the spearhead has shown that it had been shaped using stone tools, and that it had been used either in combat or for hunting – there were cracks showing that it had struck something very hard. There was also no sign of long -term use, which, according to the team, means that it was probably used successfully shortly after its creation.
High resolution microscopic photography of the point of the sample (A) and two high resolution microscopic photographs (B and C) detailing the flattened areas on the tip (indicated with white rectangles, and numbered 1 and 2). Credit: Liubov V. Golovanova et al
The discovery of the spear tip upsets the theories suggesting that the Neanderthals have never progressed stone tools. This also shows that the team suggests that the Neanderthals were able to plan in advance, not only to make the tool, but also in the way it was used.
The observation also raises another question: why is it so unique? If the Neanderthals used bone spearheads to shoot prey, why are there not many of them so that modern researchers can find? The research team suggests that most likely decomposition over time because they are not left in places conducive to their survival, like the cave where it was found.
More information:
Liubov V. Golovanova et al, on the Mousterian origin of hunting weapons with bone peak in Europe: evidence of the mezmaiskaya cave, northern Caucasus, Journal of Archaeological Science (2025). DOI: 10.1016 / J. Jas. 2010.106223
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