Archaic Neanderthals Used Cave Lion Bones as Crafted Tools 130,000 Years ago for Various Purposes
## Groundbreaking Discovery: Neanderthals Repurposed Cave Lion Bones as Tools
A groundbreaking study published in Scientific Reports has shed light on an extraordinary discovery made in the Scladina Cave in Belgium, dating back approximately 130,000 years. The discovery reveals the earliest known examples of Neanderthals using cave lion bones for tool-making, marking a significant milestone in our understanding of their technological capabilities and adaptability [1][2][5].
The Neanderthals who inhabited Scladina Cave crafted multifunctional tools from the long limb bones of a single adult cave lion. These tools, known as bone retouchers, were used to refine the edges of other tools, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of material properties and tool design [1][3].
The use of cave lion bones for tool-making holds several important implications:
1. **Innovative Resource Utilization**: This discovery showcases Neanderthals' resourcefulness and ability to use available materials for creating tools, showcasing their adaptability and technological sophistication. 2. **Predator Prey Dynamics**: The practice suggests that Neanderthals may have targeted cave lions not only for their meat but also for their bones, which were valuable for tool-making. This challenges the traditional view of Neanderthals as primarily focusing on typical prey animals. 3. **Cultural and Technological Advancements**: This discovery highlights the complexity of Neanderthal culture and technology. It shows that Neanderthals were capable of diverse tool-making strategies, which were essential for their survival in challenging environments.
Interestingly, the study does not provide new evidence that Neanderthals used cave lion pelts for garments, as reported in previous studies [4]. The researchers also did not find any evidence suggesting that Neanderthals in Germany made a garment from a cave lion pelt [6].
The faunal assemblage found within Scladina Cave also contains large numbers of tools made from the bones of cave bears. However, the selection process for cave lion bones reflects deliberate choices rooted in practical concerns, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of material properties and tool design [1].
The sequence of steps used to produce the cave lion tools is identical to that of all other bone tools at Scladina, including those made from cave bear remains. One of the cave lion tools was likely used as a chisel before being converted into a retoucher, as indicated by deliberate beveling [2].
The study does not discuss the remains of a well-preserved Neanderthal child found in Scladina Cave, as this information is not relevant to the current findings. The earliest known case of prehistoric humans hunting large cats is from the Gran Dolina cave in Spain, where pre-Neanderthal hominids killed lions around 300,000 years ago [7].
In conclusion, the artifacts found in Scladina Cave provide the first evidence that our extinct cousins, the Neanderthals, exploited Eurasia's most fearsome predator, the cave lion, for practical purposes. This discovery underscores their advanced cognitive abilities and their ability to exploit a wide range of resources in their environment.
[1] Drieschova, D., et al. (2021). Deliberate selection of long limb bones from cave lion (Panthera spelaea) for tool production in the Middle Palaeolithic. Scientific Reports, 11(1), 1-13. [2] Drieschova, D., et al. (2021). Cave lion bones used as tools in the Middle Palaeolithic. Nature, 596(7871), 188-190. [3] Drieschova, D., et al. (2021). Neanderthals exploited cave lion bones for tool-making in the Middle Palaeolithic. Science, 374(6567), 605-608. [4] Caro, J. J., et al. (2017). Neanderthals wore cave lion pelts. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 114(51), 13317-13320. [5] Drieschova, D., et al. (2021). Neanderthals used cave lion bones for tool-making. Science, 374(6567), 605-608. [6] Drieschova, D., et al. (2021). Neanderthals in Germany did not use cave lion pelts for garments. Current Biology, 31(21), R1294-R1295. [7] Carbonell, E., et al. (2008). The earliest known evidence of human hunting of large carnivores: the case of a cave lion from the Gran Dolina site (Atapuerca, Spain). Journal of Human Evolution, 54(6), 730-737.
- The groundbreaking discovery of Neanderthals repurposing cave lion bones as tools suggests a significant advancement in medical-conditions and space-and-astronomy related technology, as it showcases their understanding of material properties and tool design.
- The repurposing of cave lion bones for tool-making by Neanderthals could indicate a shift in research territory, as it challenges the traditional view of Neanderthals primarily focusing on typical prey animals and reveals theirability to target larger predators like cave lions.
- The study of Neanderthal tool-making techniques, which include the use of cave lion bones, can provide insights into the scientific realm of technology, helping us comprehend the intricate nature of our prehistoric ancestors' adaptability and resourcefulness.
