Researchers in Spain have discovered evidence suggesting that Neanderthals were capable of artistic expression, challenging the notion that art originated exclusively with modern humans. The find was a quartz-rich granite pebble, excavated from a rock shelter in central Spain, dating back 42,000 to 43,000 years. This 8-inch pebble features curves and indentations that resemble a human face, with a distinct red dot at the location of a nose, leading researchers to believe it was a symbolic, non-utilitarian object.
Lead author David Álvarez-Alonso noted that an analysis confirmed the red dot was made from ochre, a natural earth pigment, applied intentionally by a fingerprint. This finding, supported by forensic analysis, indicates that the Neanderthal, likely an adult male, perceived the pebble as akin to a human face through a psychological phenomenon known as pareidolia, inspiring them to create a representation of it.
The study claims this act signifies one of the oldest known abstractions of a human face, marking a clear instance of symbolization. Álvarez-Alonso described this discovery as exceptionally significant, being the most complete Neanderthal fingerprint identified thus far. Neanderthals, who lived contemporaneously with early modern humans, are closely related to us, with no conclusive evidence indicating lesser intelligence.
While this pebble contributes to a growing body of evidence for Neanderthal symbolic behavior, it remains unique with no known parallels. Álvarez-Alonso cautions against drawing direct comparisons between Neanderthal and modern human artistic expressions, as they did not develop the complex visual symbolic systems seen in our species. Nonetheless, this pebble adds to the understanding of Neanderthal cognitive complexity and their capacity for symbolic thought.
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