Neanderthals, our long-gone cousins, showed signs of complex cultural habits over 43,000 years ago. A recent study reveals that they collected and arranged skulls of horned animals in a cave in Spain. This discovery challenges our understanding of their behaviors.
The Des-Cubierta cave in central Iberia was uncovered in 2009. Recent research has identified 35 large mammal skulls there, primarily from species like steppe bison and aurochs. Alongside these skulls, researchers found over 1,400 stone tools typical of Neanderthal craftsmanship.
Initially, the site looked chaotic. But Lucía Villaescusa Fernández, an archaeology researcher at the University of Alcalá, explained that careful examination revealed a distinct pattern of human activities over time. The cave, with its history of rockfalls, added a layer of complexity to the findings.
According to the study published in the journal Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, Neanderthals were active in this cave during cold periods from 135,000 to 43,000 years ago. Understanding what is natural versus what is human-made in archaeology is crucial, Villaescusa Fernández emphasized. She and her team meticulously mapped the remains’ locations and analyzed how they were distributed.
The placement of the skulls suggests intentionality. This wasn’t just about survival; it hints at deeper cultural practices. Interestingly, the selection and arrangement might have been part of a ritual or tradition rather than linked to daily needs.
While the exact reasons for this practice remain uncertain, Villaescusa Fernández noted it illustrates that Neanderthals had cultural elements beyond mere survival. This discovery could reshape how we think about their societies, especially regarding shared traditions and cultural transmission.
Ludovic Slimak, an archaeologist from the University of Toulouse, who wasn’t involved in the study, commented on its significance. He suggested that instead of comparing Neanderthal symbolism to our own, we should explore their unique meaningful behaviors. This cave offers hints that Neanderthals had their own structured worlds of meaning.
Fascinatingly, a survey showed that many people today still view Neanderthals as primitive. However, studies like this push us to reconsider that stereotype. The past holds many layers of understanding about our ancestors, showing they were capable of more than we often assume.
For more in-depth insights on human evolution, you can explore studies like this one on [Wiley](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jqs.3722) or [Live Science](https://www.livescience.com/archaeology/neanderthal-quiz-how-much-do-you-know-about-our-closest-relatives).
