Archaeologists at Spain's Abric Romaní rock shelter have identified 13 impressions in travertine as wooden tools left by Neanderthals who lived in the region between 40,000 and 62,000 years ago. The objects were preserved when wood coated in calcium carbonate-rich water decayed and left hollows in the sediments. The researchers, led by Palmira Saladié, Gema Chacón, and Josep Vallverdú of the Catalan Institute of Human Paleoecology and Social Evolution, identified a variety of items including spears, a club, bowls, and structural supports. The site's 66 feet of sediments contain these impressions across multiple distinct layers.
- The club impression shows grooves indicating it was shaped by scraping.
- Charred juniper bark pieces were likely used as plates or scoops.
- A pole surrounded by five hearths may have supported a windbreak or small hut.
- The club impression shows grooves indicating it was shaped by scraping.
- Charred juniper bark pieces were likely used as plates or scoops.
- A pole surrounded by five hearths may have supported a windbreak or small hut.
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