RT info:eu-repo/semantics/article
T1 Insights into neanderthal bird hunting practices during MIS5-3: Taphonomical analysis of avian remains from Valdegoba cave (Burgos, Spain)
A1 Alonso Caño, Goizane
A1 Díez Fernández-Lomana, Juan Carlos
A1 Sánchez Marco, Antonio
K1 Excavaciones arqueológicas
K1 Excavations (Archaeology)
K1 Arqueología-Burgos
K1 Archaeology-Burgos
K1 Paleontología
K1 Paleontology
AB Small-prey exploitation has been considered an important component of socio-economic development of past human groups. Consequently, several studies have set the focus on taphonomical analysis of small animals such as birds or leporids. Nevertheless, human groups are not the only agents that can produce bone accumulations, as archaeological assemblages can also be the result of non-human predators and natural phenomena. For this reason, it is essential to determine the taphonomical pattern of each potential accumulator, with the aim of identifying their inputs. This work presents the first taphonomical analysis of an avian sample from Valdegoba Cave. The assemblage shows a mixed origin of both human and non-human (probably a nocturnal bird of prey) predator contributions. Clear evidence of human processing − such as the presence of cut marks − demonstrates intentional bird processing. Neanderthal groups from Valdegoba therefore show a broad spectrum diet, from large herbivores to small animals. These findings position Valdegoba cave as a unique Mousterian site in the region, thereby expanding the understanding of Neanderthal behaviour and small-prey use.
PB Elsevier
SN 2352-409X
YR 2025
FD 2025-06
LK https://hdl.handle.net/10259/11178
UL https://hdl.handle.net/10259/11178
LA eng
NO This work was developed thanks to the contribution of “Junta de Castilla y Le´ on”, “Consejería de Educaci´on” and “Consejería de Cultura of Castilla y Le´ on” through multiple funding projects, namely: “Programa de apoyo a Proyectos de Investigaci´ on” and “Ayudas a Proyectos de Investigaci´on competitivos en la Universidad de Burgos”. We would like to acknowledge the Universidad Aut´ onoma de Madrid (UAM) archaeozoology laboratory for the access to the archaeological material, and the University of Burgos Human Evolution Laboratory for the use of the facilities.
DS Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de Burgos
RD 23-abr-2026