Abauntz bones identify Navarra’s first Neanderthal
Six bone fragments from an adult male have been presented as the first Neanderthal remains identified in Navarra, northern Spain. The Abauntz cave finds are dated to 44,000–49,000 years ago and preserve DNA. Genetic analysis and excavations continue, giving researchers a new opportunity to investigate late Neanderthal populations around the western Pyrenees.
Science··Night
Six bones extend Navarra’s human fossil history
Six bone fragments from Abauntz cave in Navarra, northern Spain, have been identified as the region’s first Neanderthal human remains. Presented in Arraitz on 19 October, they belong to an adult male and were dated to between 44,000 and 49,000 years ago. Most come from his right hand: three metacarpals, the bones between the wrist and fingers, and a finger bone. The identification fills a geographical gap in the known distribution of Neanderthal fossils around the western Pyrenees.[1], [2]
Preserved DNA opens a continuing investigation
Researchers report exceptionally well-preserved DNA in the remains. Genetic analysis is continuing, alongside excavation and dating work, so no ancestry or migration result has yet been announced from the DNA. Abauntz occupies a natural passage between the two sides of the Pyrenees. The combination of human fossils, their age and their archaeological setting gives the team material for investigating movements of late Neanderthal populations through this region. Two of the fragments were identified through protein analysis, according to the excavation team.[1], [2]
Excavation reaches the cave’s oldest occupations
Andion Arteaga and Mikel Arlegi lead the project, which brings together more than twenty-five specialists. Dating, ancient protein analysis and DNA work involve the University of Vienna and the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig. The cave lies in Arraitz-Orkin in Navarra’s Ultzama valley, and its archaeological layers span roughly 50,000 years, from Neanderthal occupations to Roman times. Current excavation concentrates on the oldest periods, including how late Neanderthal groups lived and obtained food. The new human remains are intended for display at the Museum of Navarra after the ongoing investigation ends. An earlier find from the same cave, the engraved stone known as the Mapa de Abauntz, is already displayed there; it belongs to a much later period, around 13,600 years ago.[2]
