A decades-long archaeological investigation at Des-Cubierta Cave in Spain has revealed that Neanderthals deliberately collected and deposited horned animal skulls over an extended period, between roughly 70,000 and 50,000 years ago. The repeated nature of this activity suggests a structured, possibly symbolic, practice, though its precise meaning remains a mystery.
The Discovery and Context
Excavations began in 2009, uncovering a unique collection of skulls alongside Mousterian stone tools – artifacts strongly linked to Neanderthal cultures in Europe. The archaeological record is unusual because the deposits predominantly consist of skulls; the rest of the skeletons (limbs, jawbones, etc.) are largely missing. Researchers cataloged the remains of at least 35 animals: 28 bovines, five deer, and two rhinoceroses.
The site itself provides clues about how these skulls were deposited. Initial geological disturbances (a rockfall) created a narrow gallery where the Neanderthals later placed the skulls during multiple distinct periods of activity. This wasn’t a single event; the skulls were brought in repeatedly over time.
What the Evidence Shows
Archaeologist Lucía Villaescusa and her team combined spatial analysis of debris, bone reassembly, and preservation studies to understand the process. Their findings confirm that the Neanderthals actively transported the skulls into the cave after the rockfall event, indicating a deliberate choice rather than accidental accumulation.
“The integration of geological, spatial, and taphonomic data demonstrates that the accumulation of large herbivore crania was not a single depositional event, but rather the result of repeated episodes embedded within a long-term process of gallery use.”
Why This Matters
The deliberate collection of skulls is rare in archaeological findings. While the exact motivation behind this behavior remains unknown, the repeated pattern strongly suggests a cultural or symbolic practice. The fact that Neanderthals went to the effort of transporting only the skulls indicates this wasn’t simply for food storage or disposal. It raises questions about their cognitive abilities, ritualistic behaviors, and potential early forms of symbolic expression.
This discovery adds to growing evidence that Neanderthals were more complex than previously thought. Other findings, like the carefully buried remains of a Neanderthal child from 40,000 years ago, show an emerging picture of intentional cultural practices.
The continued study of these sites is crucial for understanding the cognitive and behavioral complexity of our ancient relatives. The true meaning behind the skulls may remain elusive, but the evidence shows that this was a structured, repeated behavior that likely held significance for the Neanderthals who practiced it.
