Researchers found 25 marked rhino teeth among 202 at Spain's El Castillo cave, with similar wear also identified at France's Pech-de-l'Azé II.
Microscopic analysis and experiments with modern rhino teeth indicated the molars were used to shape stone tools and process fibres, hides and leather.
Published in the Journal of Human Evolution, the study suggests Neandertals selectively chose tooth size and shape, adding evidence of technological sophistication and broader cognitive complexity.
Why choose heavy rhino teeth over stone, and what does this reveal about Neandertal problem-solving abilities?
Did Neandertals invent sophisticated bone and tooth tools independently, or did they learn from early modern humans?
If Neandertals were this clever 100,000 years ago, what other advanced behaviors have we simply failed to uncover yet?
Rethinking Neanderthals: Rhino Tooth Tools and the Surprising Depth of Their Intelligence
Overview
A recent discovery published in May 2026 reveals that Neanderthals in Western Europe used rhinoceros teeth as heavy-duty tools, showing a level of resourcefulness and technical skill not previously recognized. This finding challenges old ideas about Neanderthal material culture and planning, as it highlights their ability to intentionally select and transport robust rhino teeth for specific uses. The deliberate choice of such durable materials demonstrates their sophisticated understanding of tool-making and foresight, expanding our view of the diverse resources Neanderthals collected and how they adapted to their environment.