@article {330788,
	title = {A Neanderthal{\textquoteright}s specialised burning structure compatible with tar obtention},
	year = {2024},
	month = {2024/11/12/},
	pages = {109025},
	abstract = {<p>Here we present multiproxy evidence of a new type of Neanderthal hearth discovered in Vanguard Cave (VC) (Gibraltar), which is dated \&sim; 65 kyr, and associated with Middle Paleolithic stone artefacts. The hearth structure coincides with predictions from theoretical studies which require the use of heating structures for obtaining birch tar, commonly used in hafting. We propose that the structure was used for heating rockroses (Cistaceae) under anoxic conditions by burning herbs and shrubs, over a guano mixed with sand layer. We tested this hypothesis experimentally with success. The presence of levoglucosan and retene in the structure\&$\#$39;s matrix points to combustion of higher resinous plant-derived material. Our results advance our understanding of Neanderthal behaviour, as the ability to organize activities related with the use of fire.</p>
},
	keywords = {Geochemistry, Gibraltar caves, Neanderthals, Palaeoecology, Palaeolithic, Palynology, Retene, Tar},
	isbn = {0277-3791},
	doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quascirev.2024.109025},
	url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0277379124005274},
	author = {Ochando, Juan and Jimenez-Espejo, Francisco J. and Giles-Guzm{\'a}n, Francisco and Neto de Carvalho, Carlos and Carri{\'o}n, Jos{\'e} S. and Mu{\~n}iz, Fernando and Rubiales, Juan Manuel and Cura, Pedro and Belo, Jo{\~a}o and Finlayson, Stewart and Martrat, Belen and van Drooge, Barend L. and Jim{\'e}nez-Moreno, Gonzalo and Garc{\'\i}a-Alix, Antonio and Lozano Rodr{\'\i}guez, Jose Antonio and Albert, Rosa Maria and Ohkouchi, Naohiko and Ogawa, Nanako and Suga, Hisami and Camuera, Jon and Mart{\'\i}nez-Ruiz, Francisca and Villanueva, Joan and Teruel, Oriol and Davtian, Nina and Moreira, Noel and Bela{\'u}stegui, Zain and Rodr{\'\i}guez-Vidal, Joaqu{\'\i}n and Munuera, Manuel and Menez, Alex and Finlayson, Geraldine and Finlayson, Clive}
}
