RT Journal Article
T1 Stratigraphy and geomorphology of Des-Cubierta Cave (Pinilla del Valle, Madrid, Spain): Geological insights into a Neanderthal symbolic accumulation of large crania
A1 Martín Perea, David Manuel
A1 Baquedano, Enrique
A1 Arsuaga Ferreras, Juan Luis
A1 Ortega, Ana Isabel
A1 Villaescusa González, Lucía
A1 Márquez Mora, Belén
A1 Arroyo Rey, Xabier
A1 Masa Andrés, Jesús
A1 García García, Nuria
AB Des-Cubierta Cave, part of the Calvero de la Higuera complex, is situated in the intramountainous upper valley of the Lozoya River within the Guadarrama Range. The cave's geological, palaeontological, and archaeological record reveals a complex history of sedimentary and anthropogenic processes spanning hundreds of thousands of years, represented in 12 lithostratigraphic units. Among these, Unit 3 stands out for its archaeological significance, containing evidence of Neanderthal activity, including Mousterian lithic tools and an unusual assemblage of large mammal crania, which suggests symbolic behaviour. Geological data indicate that Unit 3 was deposited during cold periods (MIS 4) through multiple rockfall episodes, implying that these symbolic practices persisted across generations. The cave's geomorphology points to a possible Neanderthal entrance via a side opening created by erosion in the southern part of the cave. This study enhances our understanding of Des-Cubierta Cave's geological development and the long-term Neanderthal occupations, offering valuable insights into their symbolic and cultural behaviours.
PB Wiley
SN 0267-8179
YR 2025
FD 2025-05-20
LK https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/131285
UL https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/131285
LA eng
NO Martín‐Perea, D. M., Baquedano, E., Arsuaga, J. L., Laplana, C., Ortega, A. I., Villaescusa, L., Márquez, B., Huguet, R., Moclán, A., Soler, S. G., Arroyo, X., Rodríguez, L., García‐González, R., Cruz Ortega, M., Masa‐Andrés, J., Álvarez‐Lao, D. J., García, N., Ángeles Galindo‐Pellicena, M., Higham, T., & Pérez‐González, A. (2025). Stratigraphy and geomorphology of Des‐Cubierta Cave (Pinilla del valle, madrid, spain): Geological insights into a Neanderthal symbolic accumulation of large crania. Journal of Quaternary Science, 40(6), 958-976. https://doi.org/10.1002/jqs.3722
NO Comunidad de  Madrid
NO European Social Fund
NO Agencia Estatal de Investigación
NO Universidad Complutense de Madrid
DS Docta Complutense
RD 9 abr 2026