Catalan site reveals Neanderthal wooden tools

A Catalan archaeological site has uncovered wooden artifacts shaped by Neanderthals, including clubs, spears, and bark containers. The findings, published by the Catalan Institute of Human Palaeoecology and Social Evolution on October 7, 2026, reveal exceptionally well-preserved Neanderthal wooden tools from the Abric Romaní site near Barcelona.

Preservation helped by calcium-rich water

The site's geological features contributed to the preservation of these artifacts. Water rich in calcium carbonate flowed through the rock shelter, coating the objects abandoned by its occupants and preserving precise impressions after the wood decomposed. Some impressions even reproduce the plant structure at the cellular level.

Artifacts span thousands of years

The study includes 597 preserved wooden artifacts distributed across 16 archaeological layers, covering an occupation period from 62,000 to 40,000 years ago. These findings result from forty years of systematic excavations. The material mostly corresponds to firewood, but thirteen pieces bear marks of intentional shaping, indicating deliberate work.

Neanderthals chose specific wood types

Scots pine constitutes more than 90% of the identifiable charcoal in this deposit. According to the study published in Science Advances, Neanderthals selected this species for its mechanical qualities, indicating they did not randomly gather wood but preferred certain species according to the intended use.

Two-meter spear and club found

Among the shaped pieces, two spears stand out. One measures nearly two meters in length and shows clear traces of shaping. The team also identified a club.