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.

Bibliographic Details

Main Authors:	Ochando, Juan, Jiménez-Espejo, Francisco J., Giles-Guzmán, Francisco, Neto de Carvalho, Carlos, Carrión, Jose S., Muñiz, Fernando, Rubiales, Juan Manuel, Cura, Pedro, Belo, João, Finlayson, Stewart, Martrat, Belen, van Drooge, Barend L., Jiménez-Moreno, Gonzalo, García-Alix, Antonio, Lozano Rodríguez, Jose Antonio, Albert, Rosa María, Ohkouchi, Naohiko, Ogawa, Nanako, Suga, Hisami, Camuera, Jon, Martínez-Ruiz, Francisca, Villanueva, Joan, Teruel, Oriol, Davtian, Nina, Moreira, Noel, Belaústegui, Zain, Rodríguez-Vidal, Joaquín, Munuera, Manuel, Menez, Alex, Finlayson, Geraldine, Finlayson, Clive
Other Authors:	0000-0003-0848-2350
Format:	artículo biblioteca
Language:	English
Published:	Elsevier 2024-01-01
Subjects:	Tar, Geochemistry, Gibraltar caves, Neanderthals, Palaeoecology, Palaeolithic, Palynology, Retene, Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss,
Online Access:	http://hdl.handle.net/10261/372243 https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/85208542993
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