An exceptional collection of ancient wooden finds at Abric Romaní, a rock shelter in Spain, reveals Neanderthals’ skill in woodworking. Archaeologists documented nearly 600 wooden objects or their imprints, with 13 clearly bearing evidence of having been shaped by human hands. The discovery highlights their ability to work wood into tools.
Although wooden objects generally decompose rapidly, periodic flooding and minerals in the water helped preserve those at Abric Romaní. The collection therefore encompasses both wooden material and the impressions left by objects. Within this unusually preserved record, the 13 deliberately shaped examples provide clear evidence of human craftsmanship, while the broader tally of nearly 600 refers to the objects and imprints documented at the shelter.
