Neanderthals Rendered Fat 125,000 Years Ago: New Evidence

A recent study published in Science Advances presents evidence regarding Neanderthal survival strategies, indicating that they rendered fat from animal bones nearly 125,000 years ago. This finding updates current understanding of Neanderthal behavior by showing their use of food processing methods previously not attributed to them.

Archaeological Evidence from Neumark-Nord

The Neumark-Nord region in Germany has produced archaeological evidence of Neanderthal bone processing. At this site, Neanderthals practiced large-scale fat extraction from bones, representing one of the earliest known examples of grease rendering. This method was significant for survival, especially during winter months when plant-based carbohydrates were limited. Processed bones came from large mammals such as horses, bison, and deer, indicating efforts to maximize caloric intake by extracting both marrow and fats from bones.

Neanderthal Bone Processing at Neumark-Nord 2/2B

The archaeological site at Neumark-Nord 2/2B provides evidence of a location where Neanderthals processed large quantities of animal bones to obtain fat-rich nutrients. Researchers identified remains from over 170 large mammals, which were processed for marrow and fat. The bones were cracked, boiled, and skimmed to extract fats, a technique that supplemented their protein-heavy diet and helped avoid protein toxicity.

• At the Neumark-Nord 2 site, near a shallow pool, there is a high concentration of bones from more than 170 large mammals, mixed with flint artifacts and hammer stones.
• All bones larger than 3 cm were recorded and plotted, forming a "bone floor" attributed to Neanderthal activity.
• Many bones were found in rounded depressions at the base of the excavation layer, representing the final stage of excavation after most bones had been removed.

The discovery of this site predates similar evidence of fat rendering by modern humans by thousands of years. The bones found were mainly from animals with high fat content, such as femurs and jawbones, and underwent extensive processing. The bones were crushed, heated, and boiled, suggesting knowledge of how to extract and store fat for later use.

• At the Neumark-Nord 2/2B sites, imported bones were first broken open to extract marrow from hollow cavities.
• The bones were then crushed and chopped into smaller pieces to facilitate grease extraction from both spongy and compact bone tissue.
• Approximately 2,000 small bone fragments came into contact with fire after boiling, resulting in coloration and texture typical of heated bones.

The Role of Fat in Neanderthal Diets

Fat was an important macronutrient for Neanderthals, given the high caloric needs of their hunter-gatherer lifestyle. Extracting fat from animal bones allowed them to avoid conditions related to excessive protein intake. This adaptation was particularly relevant during winter, when plant-based foods were less available, and animal fat provided a key energy source.

Researchers suggest that Neanderthals may have developed fat rendering techniques in response to seasonal challenges. By processing fat-rich bones, they created calorie-dense food sources that could be stored for later use, providing necessary energy during periods when other foods were scarce. This ability to adapt food processing methods likely contributed to their survival in challenging environments.

Neanderthal Adaptability at Neumark-Nord

The Neumark-Nord findings provide insight into Neanderthal food processing and resource use. The site's proximity to a water source likely aided the boiling process for fat extraction. Archaeologists also found evidence of bone fragment clustering, indicating intentional transport and processing of large quantities of bones from various animal species.

The excavation revealed evidence of tool use, including anvils and hammerstones, likely used to break bones and extract fat. These findings suggest that Neanderthals engaged in organized foraging and resource processing. The large-scale processing of animal bones for fat extraction was likely a collective effort, supporting the community during periods of limited resources.