A Neanderthal's specialised burning structure compatible with tar obtention

Here we present multiproxy evidence of a new type of Neanderthal hearth discovered in Vanguard Cave (VC) (Gibraltar), which is dated ∼ 65 kyr, and associated with Middle Paleolithic stone artefacts. The hearth structure coincides with predictions from theoretical studies which require the use of heating structures for obtaining birch tar, commonly used in hafting. We propose that the structure was used for heating rockroses (Cistaceae) under anoxic conditions by burning herbs and shrubs, over a guano mixed with sand layer. We tested this hypothesis experimentally with success. The presence of levoglucosan and retene in the structure's matrix points to combustion of higher resinous plant-derived material. Our results advance our understanding of Neanderthal behaviour, as the ability to organize activities related with the use of fire. • Neanderthal hearth discovered in the excavation area of Vanguard Cave (VC). • The structure is a primary result of heating of rockroses (Cistaceae). • The oldest evidence of Levoglucosan and retene in an archaeological context. • The studied hearth structure is highly polleniferous • Neanderthal abilities to organize fire use activities for specific tecnological objectives.

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Publication Details

Journal
Quaternary Science Reviews
Published
2024-11-12
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quascirev.2024.109025
Citations
6
Primary Topic
Pleistocene-Era Hominins and Archaeology
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
22.31

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article

A Neanderthal's specialised burning structure compatible with tar obtention

Stewart Finlayson, Rosa M. Albert, Francisco Giles Guzmán, Naohiko Ohkouchi et al.
6 citations
Quaternary Science Reviews
Pleistocene-Era Hominins and Archaeology
22.31
article

A Neanderthal's specialised burning structure compatible with tar obtention

Stewart Finlayson, Rosa M. Albert, Francisco Giles Guzmán, Naohiko Ohkouchi, Jon Camuera, Manuel Munuera, Nanako O. Ogawa, Juan Ochando, Zaín Belaústegui, Hisami Suga, Joan Villanueva, José S. Carrión, Alex Menez, Gonzalo Jiménez‐Moreno, João Belo, Geraldine Finlayson, Pedro Cura, Noel Moreira, Carlos Neto de Carvalho, Belén Martrat, Oriol Teruel, Francisca Martínez‐Ruiz, Juan Manuel Rubiales Jiménez, Joaquin Rodrı́guez Vidal, Nina Davtian, F.J. Jiménez-Espejo, Clive Finlayson, Antonio García‐Alix, Barend L. van Drooge, Fernando Muñíz, José A. Rodríguez
article en
6 citations

Abstract

Here we present multiproxy evidence of a new type of Neanderthal hearth discovered in Vanguard Cave (VC) (Gibraltar), which is dated ∼ 65 kyr, and associated with Middle Paleolithic stone artefacts. The hearth structure coincides with predictions from theoretical studies which require the use of heating structures for obtaining birch tar, commonly used in hafting. We propose that the structure was used for heating rockroses (Cistaceae) under anoxic conditions by burning herbs and shrubs, over a guano mixed with sand layer. We tested this hypothesis experimentally with success. The presence of levoglucosan and retene in the structure's matrix points to combustion of higher resinous plant-derived material. Our results advance our understanding of Neanderthal behaviour, as the ability to organize activities related with the use of fire. • Neanderthal hearth discovered in the excavation area of Vanguard Cave (VC). • The structure is a primary result of heating of rockroses (Cistaceae). • The oldest evidence of Levoglucosan and retene in an archaeological context. • The studied hearth structure is highly polleniferous • Neanderthal abilities to organize fire use activities for specific tecnological objectives.

Quaternary Science ReviewsVol. 346
Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ES), Instituto de Engenharia de Sistemas e Computadores Investigação e Desenvolvimento (PT), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (ES), Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JP), University of Lisbon (PT), Universidad de Granada (ES), Universidad de Alcalá (ES), University of the Witwatersrand (ZA), University of Évora (PT), Gibraltar Museum (GI), Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena (ES), ERA Arqueologia (PT), Instituto Español de Oceanografía (ES), Instituto Andaluz de Ciencias de la Tierra (ES), Instituto Terra e Memória (PT), Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (ES), University of Gibraltar, Liverpool John Moores University (GB), University of Coimbra (PT), Universidad de Huelva (ES), Universidad de Sevilla (ES), Universidad de Murcia (ES), Sapienza University of Rome (IT), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (ES)
Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, LifeWatch – Niclas Öberg Foundation, Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, Agencia Estatal de Investigación
Openalex Percentile: Top 1%
Pleistocene-Era Hominins and Archaeology
22.31
DOIOpen Access PDFOpenAlex
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