From Newsgroup: sci.anthropology.paleo

Earliest evidence of Neanderthal multifunctional bone tool production
from cave lion (Panthera spelaea) remains

Abstract

Throughout history, humans have had a complex relationship with lions,
both reverencing and fearing them. Interactions between Neanderthals and
cave lions (Panthera spelaea) remain poorly documented due to the
scarcity of direct evidence. This study examines the selective use of
cave lion bones by Neanderthals to determine whether this behaviour was
driven by practical, functional, or symbolic factors, through a detailed zooarchaeological analysis. Previous studies highlighted NeanderthalsrCO skinning and butchering of cave lions, yet new discoveries at Scladina
Cave (Belgium) offer deeper insights into this relationship. Dated to
the end of the Saalian, the faunal assemblage provides the earliest
evidence of bone tools crafted from cave lion remains. A tibia was deliberately processed into multifunctional tools, initially serving as
an intermediate tool before being repurposed as retouchers. Proteomic
analysis applied on the remains, confirmed the specific identification.
These findings reveal that Neanderthals not only competed with but
actively utilized cave lions for practical purposes, indicating complex ecological and behavioral interactions. Relationships between pre-humans
and large predators, rooted in the Middle Pleistocene, suggest a
strategic exploitation of carnivore remains. However, opportunistic procurement cannot be entirely ruled out as a potential factor
influencing animal choice in tool production. The intentional
transformation of lion bones into functional tools highlights
NeanderthalsrCO cognitive skills, adaptability, and capacity for resource utilization beyond their immediate survival needs.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-08588-w

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