Archaeologists turned to experimental archaeology to test a curious hypothesis: Neanderthals might have used rhinoceros teeth as tools. By striking real rhino teeth with stone hammers, the team replicated the shallow pits and overlapping cracks seen on ancient specimens. The results suggest a previously unseen element of Neanderthal craftsmanship in the Upper Paleolithic layers of southern China and France today.

Sites across Europe and Asia reveal an oddly high concentration of rhinoceros teeth—up to 91% at Payre in France and 74% at Panxian Dadong in China. Researchers note that a rhino carries 260 bones but only 24 to 34 teeth, making the tooth‑heavy assemblage puzzling. This pattern hints at deliberate collection for utilitarian purposes that echoed Neanderthal tool use tactics.

Obtaining authentic rhino teeth proved difficult because the species is threatened and trade is tightly regulated under CITES. The Aberdeen team sourced a limited set of legally cleared specimens, then knapped them with flint to produce test flakes. Comparing these to the fossil marks confirmed that human blows, not natural abrasion, produced the distinctive pit patterns observed on the ancient fossils today.

These findings expand the known toolkit of Neanderthals, showing they could repurpose exotic animal parts for labor. The study also highlights the importance of experimental archaeology in interpreting wear marks that could otherwise be mistaken for natural damage. By demonstrating the feasibility of rhino‑tooth tools, researchers open new questions about resource exploitation in Pleistocene Europe and the broader cultural adaptations.