Oldest Bone Spear Tip in Europe was Made by Neanderthals

An international team of scientists has found a bone spear tip dating back between 80,000 and 70,000 years in the Mezmaiskaya cave, in the North Caucasus (Russia). What’s extraordinary about the discovery is that it was made by Neanderthals, demonstrating that this human species was already developing advanced hunting tools long before modern humans arrived in Europe.

The tip, 9 centimeters long and made from the bone of a large animal (likely a bison), was analyzed using advanced microscopy, computed tomography, and spectroscopy. The results, published in the journal Journal of Archaeological Science, reveal that it was deliberately carved with stone tools to give it a sharp shape and then attached to a wooden shaft using tar, a type of natural adhesive.

The most surprising aspect is that this artifact is the oldest of its kind in Europe and suggests that Neanderthals, far from being primitive, were already innovating in the production of sophisticated weapons. It is clear evidence that they developed advanced technology on their own, without influence from modern humans, who arrived in Europe much later, the researchers explain.

neanderthal bone weapon — Map showing the location of Mezmaiskaya cave and LMP sites in Europe with exceptional finds of formal bone tools and ornaments analyzed in the article. Credit: L.V. Golovanova et al.

How do we know it was a hunting weapon?

The researchers identified several key clues: the bone was scraped and cut with stone tools to give it a pointed shape. At the base of the tip, traces of a natural adhesive were found, indicating it was fixed to a wooden stick. Microscopic analysis showed cracks typical of a violent impact, such as when striking prey. And there are no signs of prolonged use, suggesting it broke early, perhaps during a hunt.

It is similar to the bone spear tips later made by modern humans, but more rudimentary. The Neanderthals were taking their first steps in this technology, the archaeologists point out.

The tip was discovered in 2003 in a layer of the cave that contained bones of hunted animals (bison, goats, and deer), stone tools, and remnants of campfires. Scientists believe the area was a workspace where Neanderthals processed prey and crafted tools.

The site’s dating, supported by genetic analysis of Neanderthal fossils found in the same layer, confirms that the artifact predates the arrival of modern humans in Europe (around 45,000 years ago). This rules out that it was an imitation of foreign technology.

Why is it important?

Until now, it was believed that Neanderthals mainly used stone tools and that bone weapons were an invention exclusive to modern humans.

This finding changes that view, showing that Neanderthals were already experimenting with organic materials (bone, wood) to improve their weapons. It also reinforces the idea that Neanderthals had advanced cognitive abilities, such as planning and creativity.

The study also raises questions: why aren’t there more similar findings? Researchers point out that bone preserves worse than stone and that perhaps many tools have been lost. Each such discovery is a key piece to understanding the Neanderthals, they conclude.

SOURCES

Liubov V. Golovanova, Vladimir B. Doronichev, et al., On the Mousterian origin of bone-tipped hunting weapons in Europe: Evidence from Mezmaiskaya Cave, North Caucasus. Journal of Archaeological Science, Volume 179, July 2025, 106223. doi.org/10.1016/j.jas.2025.106223