Archaeologists Discover Oldest-Known Neanderthal Artifact

Archaeologists working in Europe have found the oldest-known bone spear in Europe, dating back to the Neanderthal age between 70,000 and 80,000 years ago, according to a study published in the Journal of Archaeological Science.

The discovery of this “unique pointy bone artifact,” in the words of those who found it, was made in southern Russia in the Mezmaiskaya Cave within the Caucasus Mountains. It recontextualizes the roles Neanderthals played in the innovations of the modern world and proves that the ancient civilization created their own materials rather than simply copying what they saw from humans.

The bone spear was found encased in sediment and placed alongside a set of herbivore teeth which date back 70,000 years. It measures about 3.5 inches in length and 0.5 inches in width, dimensions which rule out its use as a “stabbing weapon” and make it clear that the spear’s purpose was as an airborne attack method. Researchers believe the carefully crafted spear was made from the bone of a bison’s leg. Stone tools were then used to polish the spear before it was set in fire.

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"To be an effective hunting weapon, the bone point does not need to have a sharply pointed (needle-like) distal end (in contrast to bone awls), but it needs to have a strong, conical tip, symmetrical outlines, and a straight profile,” the study’s authors wrote.

The spear had clearly been used, bearing microfractures indicating it struck several targets with great force. It also appears the tool was ground down by someone attempting to repair the damage, indicating this was a prized item to the people who owned it. The discovery indicates that, rather than being the primitive offspring of Homo sapiens, Neanderthals were in fact an innovative and driven species who devised many of their own tools and survival tactics.

Golovanova, et.al/Journal of Archaeological Science