Neandertals Used Rhinoceros Teeth as Tools at Sites in Spain and France

Neandertals used the teeth of ancient rhinos as multipurpose heavy-duty tools, according to a study published in the May issue of the Journal of Human Evolution. Fossilized teeth recovered from caves in Spain and France show grooves, notches, sliding marks and scrapes consistent with repeated use in shaping stone tools and processing materials such as vegetable fibers or hides.

The research focused on sites including El Castillo in Spain and Pech-de-l'Aze II in France, where archaeologists examined a dozen locations after noticing unexpected markings on several teeth. Microscopic analysis determined that the marks were not the result of chewing or natural damage either before or after the animals' deaths.

About 100,000 years ago, Neandertals coexisted in Europe with species including the narrow-nosed rhinoceros. Archaeologists have previously documented Neandertals using animal bones and antlers as hammers or retouchers to maintain sharp stone tools.

Fewer studies have examined teeth as potential tools. The new findings indicate that rhinoceros teeth, valued for their hardness, robustness and durability, were incorporated into toolkits.

To test the hypothesis, researchers used modern rhino teeth obtained from zoological reserves to replicate tasks Neandertals might have performed. These included employing the teeth as hammers to sculpt stone tools and as anvils for cutting vegetable fibers and leather.

The experiments produced damage patterns closely matching those observed on the fossil specimens. The rhino molars, which can weigh up to 380 grams, proved effective despite their size and bulk. Larger teeth with flatter surfaces provided the most stable platforms for precision work.

The researchers concluded that Neandertals were selective, choosing teeth with appropriate size and shape for the intended task. At one cave site, 202 rhino teeth were recovered, with 25 displaying use marks. The study suggests this reflects intentional behavior rather than purely opportunistic use of animal remains.

The discovery expands knowledge of how Neandertals interacted with their environment and the range of materials they employed for technological purposes. One researcher involved in the work stated that teeth, described as a superhard material, were likely very useful in addition to bones and antlers.

An archaeologist not involved in the study noted that the findings demonstrate Neandertals not only consumed animals but also utilized their remains for technology. Such behavior is described as a trait of modernity.