Two newly identified Mousterian human rib fragments from Combe-Grenal (Domme, France)

This paper presents the discovery and study of two new fossil human remains from the mousterian site of Combe-Grenal located in the commune of Domme in Dordogne. These two fragments are from ribs and they have been found in level 25 (Bordes’ excavation ; Quina type Mousterian). One of them is a fragment of an adult right first rib. The second is a fragment of an adolescent lower mid-thoracic rib (possibly the 8th or 9th). Although none of these fragments have clear Neandertal traits due to their preservation state, they are nevertheless the first elements from the human trunk identified at Combe-Grenal. Therefore, they increase the diversity of the known bony parts found at this site. Nonetheless, the minimum number of individuals (MNI) is unchanged. The adult first rib shows traces of post-mortem anthropic manipulations.