Archaeologists tie Neanderthal's fatal wound to wooden spear
Researchers think a hole in a roughly 75,000-year-old Neanderthal shoulder blade from Shanidar Cave, Iraq, came from a deadly wooden spear thrust. The find is rare, and it hints at violence or possibly mercy among early humans.
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What happened
Archaeologists examining a Neanderthal shoulder blade from Shanidar Cave in Iraq found a hole that may have been a kill shot from a wooden spear. The individual is believed to have died about 75,000 years ago. Related finds include an unusual club, wooden spears and possible household objects.
Why it matters
The find is described as rare evidence of a hidden world of wooden tools used by Neanderthals.
Timeline
- Oct 13, 12:16 PM ET: Scientists announced rare evidence of Neanderthal wooden tools, including an unusual club, spears and possible household objects.
- Oct 15, 11:00 AM ET: Archaeologists said a hole in the shoulder blade may have been a kill shot from a wooden spear, about 75,000 years ago.
Coverage
- Mysterious hole in Neanderthal shoulder blade may have been a 'kill shot' from a wooden spear, according to archaeologists (livescience.com)
- 75,000 years ago, this Neanderthal was stabbed with a spear (popsci.com)
- Neanderthals Had a Hidden World of Wooden Tools. Scientists Just Found Rare Evidence of It (zmescience.com)
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