A recent study published in Science Advances reveals evidence of sophisticated butchery practices by Neanderthals approximately 125,000 years ago. Excavations at the Neumark-Nord 2 site in eastern Germany unearthed thousands of meticulously fragmented animal bones, predominantly from fatty parts of the carcass, alongside stone tools and evidence of fire. This suggests a deliberate and organized effort to extract lipids, showcasing a level of cognitive complexity previously attributed to later Neanderthal populations.
The discovery of a rich assemblage of fragmented animal bones and stone tools at the Neumark-Nord 2 site in eastern Germany paints a compelling picture of Neanderthal behavior during the Middle Pleistocene. Dating back to roughly 125,000 years ago, during a period known as the last interglacial, the site yielded an astonishing 118,774 fragments of mammal bones and 16,524 stone tools. The remarkable density and precision of the fragmentation, coupled with the careful selection of bone parts, indicate a deliberate strategy for resource management.
Crucially, the bone fragments were overwhelmingly sourced from high-fat areas of the animals, such as long bones and skulls, while leaner parts like foot bones were significantly under-represented. This suggests a targeted focus on extracting the most calorically-dense components of the prey, a practice that would have been crucial for survival in a challenging environment. The meticulous fragmentation, evident in approximately 40% of the bones exhibiting signs of intentional cutting or striking, points towards a sophisticated understanding of bone structure and the optimal methods for extracting marrow and fatty tissues.
The presence of charcoal, heated bones, and heated stones further strengthens the hypothesis of controlled fire use. This wasn't simply about cooking; the controlled application of heat could have been instrumental in facilitating the extraction of lipids and potentially enhancing the palatability of the food. The sheer volume of fragmented bones, particularly the prevalence of small fragments (over 26,000 samples smaller than 3 centimeters and 11,553 smaller than 2 centimeters), underscores the scale and intensity of the butchering activity.
This discovery challenges previous assumptions about Neanderthal cognitive abilities. While sophisticated tool use and hunting strategies have been documented in later Neanderthal populations, this evidence from Neumark-Nord 2 suggests that these behaviors were likely present much earlier than previously thought. The combination of careful selection of bone parts, fragmentation techniques, and likely use of fire, all point towards a level of cognitive complexity and planning not previously associated with this early time period. Further analysis of the site's artifacts and environmental context will undoubtedly provide further insights into the specific motivations and social dynamics behind this remarkable display of Neanderthal ingenuity. This discovery offers a crucial perspective on the evolution of human behavior, highlighting the remarkable adaptability and resourcefulness of these ancient hominins.
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