Ancient Skull Collection Reveals Neanderthal Cultural Complexity in Spain

A new investigation has examined ancient horned animal skulls discovered in Spain's Des-Cubierta Cave, providing insights into Neanderthal practices. The skulls, which were not deposited simultaneously, appear to have been repeatedly transported into a narrow gallery during the late Middle Paleolithic period, approximately 70,000 to 50,000 years ago.

Discovery in Des-Cubierta Cave

Excavations began in 2009, revealing an assemblage of Mousterian stone tools, primarily associated with Neanderthals in Europe, alongside an unusual collection of animal remains. This collection was predominantly composed of skulls. Researchers cataloged the upper skull parts from at least 35 individual animals, including 28 bovines, five deer, and two rhinoceroses. Most other skeletal elements, such as jawbones, limbs, and cheekbones, were absent.

Investigating the Neanderthal Practice

The deliberate accumulation of animal crania is considered rare in the archaeological record. A team led by archaeologist Lucía Villaescusa of the University of Alcalá in Spain investigated the site to understand how these skulls were placed. The study utilized multiple lines of evidence, including the spatial distribution of geological debris and archaeological artifacts, the reassembly of fragmented bones, and the bones' preservation level.

Evidence of Repeated Activity

The analysis indicated that a rockfall initially introduced debris into the gallery. Following this event, Neanderthals commenced bringing animal skulls into the cave during distinct phases of activity. While the precise timeframe of this repeated activity remains undefined, the separation between deposits confirms it was not a singular instance of skull collection.

Insights into Neanderthal Culture

The underlying reasons for this recurring Neanderthal tradition of placing crania in the cave are unknown. However, the consistent pattern suggests a structured practice, which offers a glimpse into the potential symbolic aspects of Neanderthal lives.

The data demonstrate the accumulation of large herbivore crania was not a single event but a result of repeated episodes within a long-term use of the gallery, highlighting the structured and transmitted nature of this practice and its contribution to discussions on Neanderthal cultural complexity.

The findings have been published in Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences.