The Cave of Los Aviones is an important archaeological site in Spain. Located in the Murcia region near Cartagena, it has drawn attention due to its rich Neanderthal artifacts. This cave provides valuable insight into the lives of Neanderthals during the Middle Paleolithic period.
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Discovery and Excavations
Archaeologists discovered the Cave of Los Aviones in the 1980s. Since then, several excavations have taken place, focusing on the cave’s Neanderthal occupation. Researchers uncovered various tools, shell beads, and pigment traces, all of which are attributed to Neanderthal activity. These artifacts date back to approximately 115,000 to 120,000 years ago.
Neanderthal Symbolic Behavior
One of the most significant findings in the cave is evidence of Neanderthal symbolic behavior. The discovery of perforated seashells and red and yellow pigments indicates that Neanderthals may have used them as personal ornaments. This is notable because it challenges the earlier belief that only modern humans displayed symbolic behavior. The materials from the cave predate similar artifacts associated with Homo sapiens by about 20,000 years, pushing back the timeline of symbolic thinking in hominins.
Implications of Pigments and Shells
The pigments and shells found in the Cave of Los Aviones suggest that Neanderthals had a more complex cognitive ability than previously thought. The use of pigments, possibly as body decoration or to color objects, reflects an understanding of aesthetics or social communication. Furthermore, the perforated shells might have been used as jewelry, indicating that Neanderthals were capable of abstract thinking and expressing identity or group affiliation.
Technological Findings
In addition to symbolic artifacts, archaeologists also found stone tools in the cave. These tools belong to the Mousterian culture, associated with Neanderthals across Europe. The tools reflect a high degree of skill in flint knapping, showcasing the Neanderthals’ ability to adapt their technology to local resources.
Importance in Neanderthal Studies
The Cave of Los Aviones is crucial in reshaping our understanding of Neanderthals. Its artifacts provide solid evidence that Neanderthals were not only capable of producing complex tools but also engaged in symbolic behavior. The findings suggest that Neanderthals were not vastly different from early modern humans in terms of cognitive abilities.
Conclusion
The Cave of Los Aviones continues to be an important site for understanding Neanderthal life. The discoveries from this cave challenge old views of Neanderthal cognitive abilities, proving that they engaged in symbolic practices long before Homo sapiens. As further excavations and studies continue, this site will likely reveal even more about the complex lives of Neanderthals during the Middle Paleolithic period.
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