Neanderthal-carved bone discovered in the Unicorn Cave

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In the Unicorn Cave (Einhornhöhle) in the Harz Mountains, northern Germany, researchers discovered a unique carved bone in well-preserved layers of cultural artefacts from the Neanderthal period. The bone was identified as a phalanx of a giant deer (Megaloceros giganteus). According to the published dating, the bone is at least 51,000-year-old. Researchers conducted experiments to replicate the process, concluding that the bone probably had to be boiled first, then the pattern was carved into the softened bone surface with stone tools. As it does not appear to serve any practical purpose, researchers consider the bone to be further evidence of Neanderthals’ capacity for symbolic behaviour.
Credits
Research:
A 51,000-year-old engraved bone reveals Neanderthals’ capacity for symbolic behaviour
Dirk Leder, Raphael Hermann, Matthias Hüls, Gabriele Russo, Philipp Hoelzmann, Ralf Nielbock, Utz Böhner, Jens Lehmann, Michael Meier, Antje Schwalb, Andrea Tröller-Reimer, Tim Koddenberg & Thomas Terberger
Nature Ecology & Evolution, DOI:10.1038/s41559-021-01487-z
Photo of excavation: J. Lehmann, © NLD
Photo of the carved bone: V. Minkus, © NLD
microCT scan image: Graphik: A. Tröller-Reimer/D. Leder, © NLD