Recent archaeological studies have revealed that Neanderthal groups inhabiting the Amud and Kebara caves in northern Israel exhibited differing butchery techniques, suggesting the presence of distinct cultural traditions among these populations.
Both caves, located approximately 70 kilometers apart, were occupied by Neanderthals during the late Middle Paleolithic period. Despite sharing similar tools and hunting the same prey, such as gazelles and fallow deer, the butchery marks on animal bones from these sites display notable differences. At Amud Cave, the cut marks are densely packed and less linear, indicating a more intensive processing method. In contrast, Kebara Cave exhibits more linear cut marks, suggesting a different butchery approach. These variations cannot be attributed to differences in tools, skill levels, or available resources, implying that cultural practices influenced butchery techniques.
These findings challenge the notion of a uniform Neanderthal culture, highlighting the possibility of localized traditions and social learning within different groups. The study provides valuable insights into the behavioral diversity of Neanderthal populations and their adaptation to similar environments through distinct cultural practices.