Neanderthal Shoulder Blade with Spear Wound Unearthed in Iraqi Kurdistan
Archaeologists have discovered a Neanderthal shoulder blade in a cave in Iraqi Kurdistan featuring a circular hole, representing the oldest known proof of a wooden spear being used as a weapon. This bone, dated to approximately 75,000 years ago, bears a 15 mm perforation that researchers believe was caused by a wooden spear penetrating through the front of the left chest cavity, passing through the lung and shoulder blade, which likely led to the rapid death of the individual. The artifact was found buried beneath 7.5 meters of sediment.
Experts from the University of Cambridge led the study. Dr. Emma Pomeroy remarked:
"It's remarkable to find a flawlessly preserved shoulder blade that is 75,000 years old. These bones are so delicate that intact shoulder blades rarely survive in modern excavations."
She further explained that the spear-induced perforations from this era align well with the injury observed on the Neanderthal bone. "The technology used at the time perfectly matches the wound we see," she stated. The injury's location suggests a deliberate strike aimed at the heart. "The wound's position and the considerable force needed to pierce through the Neanderthal's body indicate an intentional blow directed at the heart," Pomeroy emphasized.
Insights into Neanderthal Wooden Spears and Other Findings
The research also references earlier discoveries of wooden spears dating back about 200,000 years, found in the 1990s at Schöningen, Germany. These spears measured over two meters in length and were crafted from carefully selected wood.
- In Northern Spain's Abauntz cave, six Neanderthal hand bone fragments approximately 46,000 years old were found.
- Four of these fragments belonged to the right hand of an adult male, including three palm bones and a middle finger phalanx.
Genetic analysis of the Spanish remains has allowed scientists to determine the individual's sex.
This recent finding in Iraq sheds light on Neanderthal technology and behavior while raising questions about violence and potential interactions with early modern humans. The shoulder blade is not only a significant archaeological artifact but also offers clues about the complex social and cultural dynamics of Neanderthal life. Exploring such evidence enhances our understanding of human evolution, ancient technologies, and how our ancestors related to their environment. Additionally, discoveries like this challenge existing views on the relationship between Neanderthals and modern humans, particularly regarding the role of violence in their coexistence.
In addition to this remarkable find, recent discoveries of ancient Neanderthal hand bones in Spain have also provided significant insights into their tool-making abilities and lifestyle. These findings, which include fragments that date back approximately 46,000 years, highlight the complexity of Neanderthal culture and their use of various implements. For more details on these intriguing hand bone discoveries, see the recent research on Neanderthal hand bones.