Unique Archeological Discovery Sheds Light on Neanderthal Wooden Tool Usage

What happened

A thick layer of calcium carbonate-based travertine deposit has, over time, covered and largely preserved tools and other implements, including those made of wood. The wooden imprints and some larger remains of wooden implements were found, ranging from wooden spears and clubs to trays (see heading image) and tripods.

The Abric Romaní site in Spain is rather unique in archeology for one simple reason: the caves in its limestone-rich cliff have seen humanoid occupation for thousands of years. Over many decades of archeological exploration, 597 wooden imprints have been uncovered, with a recent research article by [Palmira Saladié] et al.

With enough of the wood still present, researchers were also able to determine which types of trees were used to make these tools, and sometimes which part of the tree. These finds date back to between 62,000 and 40,000 years ago during the Middle Paleolithic era.