Today, an important paper was published in Scientific Reports on findings from the Shanidar Cave research team.
A circular hole has been identified in the shoulder blade (scapula) of a Neanderthal dating to about 75,000 years ago. It may be the earliest clear evidence of violence and death caused by a wooden spear among Neanderthals.
Detailed analysis suggests the 15 mm hole was made by a sharpened wooden weapon striking from above. The weapon passed through the chest cavity, lung and possibly major arteries, causing immediate death. According to the researchers, the location may indicate a deliberate, targeted blow to the heart—though the possibility that the spear hit the individual accidentally during a hunt is also considered.
The teeth and jaw of this 45-year-old individual show another severe injury that occurred at least a year before death. It caused a longitudinal fracture of a front tooth and damage to oral tissue. This would have made eating difficult, and the individual would certainly have needed help, soft food and ongoing care from other members of the group.
Evidence of spear trauma to the chest had already been found in another Shanidar Neanderthal.
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