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What evidence indicates a division of labour among Neanderthals?

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Neanderthal Artist's rendering of Homo neanderthalensis, who ranged from western Europe to Central Asia for some 100,000 years before dying out approximately 30,000 years ago.

Evidence for a division of labour among Neanderthals is primarily derived from the analysis of fossilized remains. Specifically, anthropologists have observed distinct patterns in dental chipping and wear between male and female Neanderthal specimens. These variations in how the teeth were used suggest that individuals within the group performed different types of daily tasks.1

Furthermore, fossil evidence indicates that Neanderthals frequently used their front teeth as tools—essentially acting as a "third hand"—to assist in various activities. This practice resulted in characteristic tooth beveling and heavy dental wear. By examining the striations left on these teeth by stone instruments, researchers have also determined that Neanderthals were predominantly right-handed and that this handedness was established early in life, as evidenced by the teeth of a 6–8-year-old individual.1