![]() Rather, it is probably associated with Neanderthal symbolism. ![]() Taxonomic and anatomical analyses of this assemblage, along with the taphonomic modifications to which its components were subjected, indicate that its origin lies in something other than practices associated with mere subsistence. The present work examines an unusual archaeological assemblage, an accumulation of crania belonging to large mammals, apparently processed by Neanderthals, in Level 3 of the Cueva Des-Cubierta (in central Spain). Less frequently, however, their presence can be associated with other functions, such as extractive activities (for example, flint quarrying 7) and activities related to their symbolic world (for example, burials 8, 9, 10, 11 and the use of structures constructed for possible ceremonial use 12). This behaviour seems to have no subsistence-related purpose but to be more symbolic in its intent.Įvidence of the past presence of Neanderthals at archaeological sites is usually associated with subsistence activities, such as hunting, the processing and consumption of animal resources, the preparation of tools or the use of fire 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. ![]() The continued presence of crania throughout Level 3 indicates that this behaviour was recurrent during this level’s formation. A second round of processing then took place, possibly related to the removal of the brain. The scarcity of post-cranial elements, teeth, mandibles and maxillae, along with evidence of anthropogenic modification of the crania (cut and percussion marks), indicates that the carcasses of the corresponding animals were initially processed outside the cave, and the crania were later brought inside. Alongside evidence of Mousterian lithic industry, Level 3 of the cave infill was found to contain an assemblage of mammalian bone remains dominated by the crania of large ungulates, some associated with small hearths. This work examines the possible behaviour of Neanderthal groups at the Cueva Des-Cubierta (central Spain) via the analysis of the latter’s archaeological assemblage. ![]() Nature Human Behaviour volume 7, pages 342–352 ( 2023) Cite this article A symbolic Neanderthal accumulation of large herbivore crania
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