Shoot first, ask questions later: Interpretative narratives of Neanderthal hunting. (15th May 2016) - White, Mark
Abstract: This paper examines the hunting strategies employed by Neanderthals at a series of kill or near-kill sites from the Middle Palaeolithic of Europe (Mauran, La Borde, Taubach, Zwoleń and Salzgitter Lebenstedt). Using palaeolandscape reconstructions and animal ethology as our context, we adopt a multifaceted approach that views hunting as a chaîne opératoire involving the decisions and actions of both the hunter and the hunted, which together help reconstruct a forensic picture of past events as they unfolded. Our conclusions indicate that Neanderthals did not necessarily pre-select individuals from a herd, who they then isolated, pursued and killed, but rather ambushed whole groups, which they slaughtered indiscriminately. There is strong evidence, however, that Neanderthals were highly selective in the carcasses they then chose to process. Our conclusions suggest that Neanderthals were excellent tacticians, casual executioners and discerning diners. Highlights: Neanderthal hunting involved superb tactical planning, using the landscape to disadvantage prey. Their prey's avoidance and flight behaviours were also exploited in the hunt. They did not target specific individuals during the hunt, but killed indiscriminately from cow herds. After the kill only the 'prime' animals were chosen to butcher. In sum Neanderthals were careful tacticians, casual executioners and picky diners.