Neanderthal wooden tools from Spain found preserved in stone

Researchers at the Abric Romaní rock shelter in Spain have discovered Neanderthal wooden tools preserved within stone. Although early humans likely worked with wood more frequently than stone due to its ease of processing, organic materials like wood typically rot quickly, leaving a significant gap in the understanding of Paleolithic woodwork.

The recent finding provides rare physical evidence of ancient woodworking technologies from the Stone Age. Because wooden artifacts rarely survive the archaeological record, discoveries of this nature offer critical new insights into the daily lives, material culture, and technological capabilities of Neanderthals.