A study of Shanidar A’s remains, dated to about 75,000 years ago at Shanidar Cave in Iraqi Kurdistan, describes a nearly circular opening about 15 mm across in the left scapula, or shoulder blade. The authors interpret it as penetrating trauma consistent with a rounded wooden spear, but cannot determine whether the injury resulted from interpersonal violence or a hunting accident. The study also describes an earlier facial injury that Shanidar A survived.
What the shoulder blade preserves
The opening has at least three radial fractures. Micro-computed tomography, or micro-CT, revealed at least four bone fragments—each at least 4 mm long—in sediment below the hole. One fragment fits the opening.
The bone shows no remodeling, periosteal reaction or healing around the perforation. Those signs point to an injury around the time of death or afterward; the authors favor a perimortem injury, meaning one that occurred near death. They also infer that the wound penetrated the chest, possibly reaching the lungs and major blood vessels, and likely caused rapid death.
Why researchers consider a wooden spear
The opening’s near-circular shape is consistent with a wooden spear with a rounded cross-section. The study contrasts that pattern with the typically oval or lozenge-shaped marks expected from stone-tipped weapons. The weapon identification is an interpretation of the bone’s shape; no spear was recovered with Shanidar A.
The fractures and fragments add detail to the injury, while the lack of healing helps place it near the time of death. Together, these features support the interpretation of a penetrating wound. They do not identify who—or what—caused it.
Direction, delivery and cause
The authors read beveling on the back of the scapula as evidence of a ventral-to-dorsal path, from front to back. The displaced fragments suggest that the point entered from an angle that was medial and superior relative to the body.
The study cannot determine whether the weapon was thrust or thrown, or whether the injury occurred during a hunt or in interpersonal violence. Its authors say violence between individuals or groups cannot be demonstrated from the remains.
An earlier facial injury
A lower incisor was split lengthwise, but remained in the mouth and continued to wear. Calculus on the exposed tooth surfaces also supports the conclusion that it stayed in use after the facial injury. The study says this survival suggests Shanidar A may have received care from group members; it does not identify a caregiver or the help provided.
