A New Perspective on Neanderthal Technology
For decades, the archaeological understanding of Neanderthal culture was heavily skewed toward stone tools, largely because wood and other organic materials rarely survive the passage of millennia. A new, comprehensive study published in Science Advances provides a significant correction to this view. Researchers analyzing 597 wooden remains and imprints from the Abric Romaní rock shelter near Barcelona have determined that Neanderthals utilized wood not just for fuel, but for sophisticated tool-making, weaponry, and structural engineering.
The research, led by Palmira Saladié of IPHES-CERCA and Universitat Rovira i Virgili, spans 16 archaeological levels and covers a period from 62,000 to 40,000 years ago. Unlike other sites where wooden items are isolated discoveries, Abric Romaní offers a long-term record of wood use across thousands of years. This continuity suggests that woodworking was a stable, integrated component of Neanderthal daily life rather than an occasional or opportunistic activity.
Preservation via Natural Molds
The exceptional state of the findings is due to the site’s unique geology. Calcium carbonate buildup around the wood created natural molds in the surrounding travertine rock. As the organic material rotted away over time, it left behind precise impressions—some detailed enough to reveal internal tissue structures. This preservation allows archaeologists to study the wood alongside stone tools, hearths, and animal bones, providing a holistic view of how Neanderthals organized their living spaces.
Weapons, Tools, and Structural Innovation
Out of the 597 pieces recovered, the research team identified 13 artifacts that show clear signs of human shaping. Among these are two wooden spears recovered from Level R, one measuring 2.45 meters and another 1.99 meters, both featuring deliberate tip modifications. Perhaps most intriguing is a mace-like object found in Level P, which features a distinct handle and a pointed end. While tool marks confirm it was intentionally crafted, its specific function remains an archaeological mystery, as no comparable object has been identified in the Paleolithic record.
Beyond weaponry, the study highlights potential domestic and structural uses for wood. The team discovered remnants of bark containers and trays, as well as crossed poles that may have served as a raised platform for food preparation. Additionally, a straight wooden piece measuring 5.10 meters suggests that Neanderthals may have used timber to modify or partition their living areas, demonstrating a level of spatial management previously under-attributed to these hominids.