The teeth have "grooves formed by the passage of a
pointed object, which confirms the use of a small stick for cleaning the
mouth," Paleontology Professor Juan Luis Asuarga
told reporters, presenting an archaeological find in
The fossils, unearthed in Pinilla del Valle, are the first human examples found in the
Neanderthals were predecessors of modern humans who inhabited
much of Europe, North Africa and parts of
"There are two (teeth), perfectly preserved, in which
the wear and tear of a human of about 30 years old is perceptible," a
government statement said.
Experts also found diverse animal fossils, including remains
of hyenas, bears, deer and rhinoceroses.
