A groundbreaking discovery in Mezmaiskaya Cave, Russia, has unearthed a bone spearhead dating back 70,000 to 80,000 years, challenging previous understandings of Neanderthal capabilities [2, 3]. The artifact, found in 2003, suggests that Neanderthals developed sophisticated hunting weapons much earlier than previously thought, predating the arrival of Homo sapiens in Europe [2].
Advanced analytical techniques, including microscopy, CT scans, and spectroscopy, revealed that the nine-centimeter spearhead was crafted from bison bone using stone tools and attached to a wooden shaft with birch tar [2, 4]. This indicates a high level of skill and technological innovation among Neanderthals [5, 6]. The discovery challenges the long-held belief that Neanderthals primarily used stone tools, with bone tools being exclusive to modern humans [2].
The presence of animal bones, stone tools, and fire pit remains in the cave suggests that the area served as a Neanderthal workshop for processing hunted prey and manufacturing tools [2, 4]. Microscopic analysis of the spearhead revealed cracks, indicating its use in hunting and the stresses it endured upon impact [2, 4]. This find provides compelling evidence that Neanderthals possessed advanced cognitive abilities, including planning and creativity, and were capable of independent technological innovation [5, 10].