An international team of researchers has uncovered the oldest spear tip ever discovered in Europe, revealing that it was crafted by Neanderthals. In their study published in the Journal of Archaeological Science, the team provides detailed insights into the spear tip’s discovery, its condition, and the findings they gleaned from extensive analysis.
The spear tip was initially found in 2003, buried within a sediment layer in a cave in the North Caucasus, Russia. Alongside it were numerous animal bones and remnants of a campfire. However, it wasn’t until recently that the spear tip was thoroughly examined.
Using advanced techniques such as spectroscopy, computed tomography, and microscopy, the researchers determined that the 9 cm-long spear tip was made from animal bone, likely bison. It was attached to a wooden shaft with a type of tar.
The team also discovered that the spear tip had been shaped with stone tools and showed signs of use in either hunting or combat, evidenced by cracks indicating it had struck something very hard. Notably, the tip showed no signs of prolonged use, implying that it had likely been used shortly after its creation. This finding challenges previous theories that Neanderthals never advanced beyond using stone tools and suggests that they were capable of strategic planning, both in crafting tools and in their use.
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