In a study led by the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), scientists in Spain unearthed Neolithic bowstrings dating back to around 7,000 years ago.
In Spain’s Cueva de los Murciélagos, or Cave of the Bats in English, researchers found a variety of archery gear, including arrow shafts with feathers and the oldest known bowstrings in Europe. The artifacts were in remarkable condition thanks to the cave’s arid climate, and the materials they were made of pointed to a previously unthinkable level of mastery and precision for the Neolithic period.
“This degree of precision and technical mastery, where every detail counts, attests to the exceptional knowledge of these Neolithic artisans,” said Raquel Piqué, an archaeologist at UAB and one of the study’s co-authors.
The Spanish cave system of Cueva de Los Murciélagos seems unparalleled for preserving prehistoric objects. Last year came these perfect Mesolithic baskets, as well as Neolithic sandals and mallet. Now we have these incredible Neolithic arrows made from reeds, olive wood,… pic.twitter.com/6h8sbwtRnT
— Stone Age Herbalist (@Paracelsus1092) December 6, 2024
Ancient neolithic bowstrings are oldest known in Europe
The arrow shafts were constructed using reed as well as olive and willow wood. These materials, considering their stable yet light qualities, which are adequate for propulsion over long distances, were carefully chosen by ancient hominins. This is also the oldest known use of reed. It was found on the back of some of the arrows, which were also coated in birch tar.
Birch tar can only be created by heating birch at a controlled temperature over a substantial amount of time. Researchers believe the tar may have been used for both its protective qualities and its appearance, suggesting that the Neolithic hominins cared just as much about design as performance.
The bowstrings were no less impressive in their construction method and material usage than the shafts. They were crafted from the tendons of various animals, such as goats, boar, and roe deer. Tendons anatomically transfer force between muscles and bones, facilitating movement, and they are both strong and flexible. The tendons were woven to create rope ideal for volleying arrows at a long distance.
The UAB team also believes the archery accouterment was used for more than hunting. They infer that the arrows could have been non-lethal and used for funerary practices and rituals. If this is true, it could point to the religious tendencies of the ancient Iberian people.
“Future experiments may clarify whether these arrows could have been used for hunting or close-range combat, or whether they could have been non-lethal arrows,” said UAB researcher Ingrid Bertin.
UAB’s findings are part of a larger project funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 program. The MUTERMUR project, which this find is a part of, is an effort to use in-depth microscopy and biomolecular analysis to detect organic materials in ancient artifacts.