The Neanderthalian molar from Hunas, Germany

Homo. 2006;57(3):187-200. doi: 10.1016/j.jchb.2006.03.002. Epub 2006 Jun 14.

Abstract

In this paper, we present a well-preserved isolated human molar found in 1986 in the Hunas cave ruin, south-east Bavaria. The tooth was located at the bottom of layer F2, which belongs to a long stratigraphic sequence comprising faunal remains as well as archaeological levels (Mousterian). A stalagmite from layer P at the base of the stratigraphic sequence was recently dated to 79.373+/-8.237 ka (base) and 76.872+/-9.686 ka (tip) by TIMS-U/Th (Stanford University). We identified the tooth as a right (possibly third) mandibular molar. Characteristic parameters such as crown and root morphology, fissure pattern, enamel thickness, occlusal and interproximal wear, dental dimensions and indices, and radiological features indicate that the Hunas molar represents the tooth of a Neanderthal. This is corroborated by both the palaeontological and archaeological findings (Mousterian) of layer F2.

Publication types

  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • Age Determination by Teeth*
  • Animals
  • Dental Enamel / anatomy & histology
  • Dental Enamel / diagnostic imaging
  • Dental Occlusion
  • Fossils*
  • Germany
  • History, Ancient
  • Hominidae
  • Humans
  • Molar / anatomy & histology*
  • Molar / diagnostic imaging
  • Paleodontology*
  • Tooth Attrition / pathology
  • Tooth Crown / anatomy & histology
  • Tooth Crown / diagnostic imaging
  • Tooth Root / anatomy & histology
  • Tooth Root / diagnostic imaging