2024/11/12 by Juan Ochando, F.J. Jiménez-Espejo, Francisco Giles Guzmán +28 · 4 voices · 1 citation
Social Sciences · Earth and Planetary Sciences · #Pleistocene-Era Hominins and Archaeology #Archaeology and ancient environmental studies #Geology and Paleoclimatology Research
paper · doi:10.1016/j.quascirev.2024.109025
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. • Neanderthal hearth discovered in the excavation area of Vanguard Cave (VC). • The structure is a primary result of heating of rockroses (Cistaceae). • The oldest evidence of Levoglucosan and retene in an archaeological context. • The studied hearth structure is highly polleniferous • Neanderthal abilities to organize fire use activities for specific tecnological objectives.