Abric Romaní site reveals Neanderthal woodworking capabilities

Archaeological findings at the Abric Romaní rock shelter near Barcelona, Spain, have revealed extensive evidence of Neanderthal woodworking spanning approximately 22,000 years. A study published in Science Advances analyzed 597 wooden remains and mineral molds recovered from 16 archaeological levels dating between 62,000 and 40,000 years ago.

The discovery provides a rare glimpse into Neanderthal material culture, which is typically limited to stone tools due to the perishable nature of organic matter. At this site, calcium carbonate deposits created mineral molds that preserved the shapes of wooden objects even after the original material decayed.

Researchers identified several significant artifacts, including two spears measuring approximately 2.45 meters and 1.99 meters, four bark containers that may have served domestic purposes, and a carved wooden club or mace with a distinct handle. The findings suggest that wood was a routine resource used for weapons, tools, household utensils, and potentially structural components, rather than just being gathered as firewood.