Cave art, generally referring to the numerous paintings adn engravings found in caves and shelters dating back to the Ice Age (Upper paleolithic), roughly between 40,000 and 14,000 years ago, is a significant form of prehistoric art. The first painted cave acknowledged as being Paleolithic, meaning from the Stone Age, was Altamira in Spain [1[1[1[1].
These cave paintings often depict animals, human figures, and abstract symbols.Such as, the rock art found in Khoit Tsenkher Cave, Mongolia, includes symbols and animal forms painted from the walls up to the ceiling, featuring stags, buffalo, oxen, ibex, lions, Argali sheep, antelopes, camels, elephants, ostriches, and other animal pictorials [2[2[2[2].
Ther are numerous captivating examples of paleolithic art, including iconic cave paintings, figurines, and engravings from around the world. These artworks provide valuable insights into the lives and beliefs of early humans [3[3[3[3].
In addition to the well-known cave paintings, recent discoveries have also highlighted the presence of symbolic expressions in the form of engravings on stone plaquettes. Using advanced 3D surface analysis techniques, researchers have found that these engravings feature geometric designs that align with the surface topography, suggesting they were created as purposeful symbolic expressions. As an example, on the Manot core, the incisions form a radiating fan of lines oriented towards the slightly smoothed high point on the preparation surface [4[4[4[4].
These findings indicate that early humans not only created art for decorative purposes but also used it as a means of symbolic dialogue and possibly for ritualistic practices. The finding of a 55,000-year-old human skull and burials dated to around 100,000 years ago at Qafzeh Cave further supports the idea that early humans engaged in ritualistic behaviors [5[5[5[5].
Ancient Engravings Shed Light on Early Human Symbolic Thought and Complexity in the Levant
Table of Contents
In a groundbreaking study published in the journal Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, researchers have uncovered evidence that suggests some ancient hominids in the Middle East were capable of artistic expression. The findings, which compare engravings from various sites, highlight the differences between deliberate and accidental incisions on prehistoric lithic artifacts.
The study focuses on artifacts from Manot, Qafzeh, and Quneitra, which exhibit intentional incisions that are distinct from the unintentional scratches found on tools from Amud cave. These intentional engravings provide insights into the cognitive evolution of early humans and their capacity for symbolic thought.
Deliberate vs. Accidental Incisions
The Quneitra plaquette, as an example, features a concentric pattern of incisions that matches a similar design found on an auroch bone nearby. This suggests a level of symbolic behavior and intent. Similarly, the Qafzeh core was discovered next to a human burial and a large deposit of ochre, further indicating symbolic behavior.
In contrast, the incision marks on artifacts from Amud cave, where Neanderthal burials have been uncovered, appear ”shallower, with no clear orientation or patterning.” These markings are similar to those found on other stone tools from the middle Palaeolithic in Italy, interpreted as unintentional scratches produced by functional use.
Abstract Thinking and Symbolic Expression
“Abstract thinking is a cornerstone of human cognitive evolution,” said co-lead researcher Dr. Mae Goder-Goldberger in a statement. “The deliberate engravings found on these artefacts highlight the capacity for symbolic expression and suggest a society with advanced conceptual abilities.”
Summary of Key Findings
| Site | Artifact Description | Interpretation |
|——————-|———————————————————————————————|————————————————————————————–|
| Manot | Engravings with clear patterns and orientations | Deliberate incisions, indicative of symbolic behavior |
| Qafzeh | core found near human burial and ochre deposit | Symbolic behavior, possibly related to ritual or decoration |
| Quneitra | Plaquette with concentric pattern matching nearby auroch bone | Intentional design, suggesting advanced conceptual abilities |
| Amud | Shallow, randomly oriented incisions | Unintentional scratches from functional use |
Implications for Human Evolution
The study’s implications are significant for our understanding of human evolution. the ability to create deliberate engravings suggests that early humans had advanced cognitive abilities, including the capacity for abstract thinking and symbolic expression.These skills are fundamental to the advancement of complex societies and cultures.
Conclusion
The findings from this study contribute to our understanding of the cognitive evolution of early humans in the Levant.By comparing deliberate and accidental incisions on prehistoric lithic artifacts, researchers have shed new light on the capacity for symbolic thought and complexity in ancient societies.
For more information, you can read the full study published in Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences here.
Image credit: Photo by Erella Hovers
Explore more about the earliest human use of color and the fascinating world of prehistoric art and symbolism.
Ancient Engravings Shed Light on Early Human Symbolic Thought and Complexity in the Levant
In a groundbreaking study published in the journal Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, researchers have uncovered evidence that suggests some ancient hominids in the Middle East were capable of artistic expression. The findings, which compare engravings from various sites, highlight the differences between purposeful and accidental incisions on prehistoric lithic artifacts.
The study focuses on artifacts from Manot, qafzeh, and Quneitra, which exhibit intentional incisions that are distinct from the unintentional scratches found on tools from Amud cave. These intentional engravings provide insights into the cognitive evolution of early humans and their capacity for symbolic thought.
Deliberate vs. Accidental Incisions
The Quneitra plaquette, as an example, features a concentric pattern of incisions that matches a similar design found on an auroch bone nearby. this suggests a level of symbolic behavior and intent. similarly, the Qafzeh core was discovered next to a human burial and a large deposit of ochre, further indicating symbolic behavior.
In contrast, the incision marks on artifacts from Amud cave, where Neanderthal burials have been uncovered, appear “shallower, with no clear orientation or patterning.” These markings are similar to those found on othre stone tools from the middle Palaeolithic in Italy, interpreted as unintentional scratches produced by functional use.
Abstract Thinking and Symbolic Expression
“Abstract thinking is a cornerstone of human cognitive evolution,” said co-lead researcher Dr. Mae Goder-Goldberger in a [statement](https://en.huji.ac.il/news/ancient-engravings-shed-light-early-human-symbolic-thought-and-complexity-levantine). “The deliberate engravings found on these artefacts highlight the capacity for symbolic expression and suggest a society with advanced conceptual abilities.”
Summary of Key Findings
| Site | Artifact Description | interpretation |
|————————–|—————————————————————————————————-|—————————————————————————————————-|
| Manot | Engravings with clear patterns and orientations | deliberate incisions,indicative of symbolic behavior |
| Qafzeh | Core found near human burial and ochre deposit | Symbolic behavior,possibly related to ritual or decoration |
| Quneitra | Plaquette with concentric pattern matching nearby auroch bone | Intentional design,suggesting advanced conceptual abilities |
| Amud | Shallow,randomly oriented incisions | Unintentional scratches from functional use |
Implications for Human Evolution
The study’s implications are meaningful for our understanding of human evolution. The ability to create deliberate engravings suggests that early humans had advanced cognitive abilities,including the capacity for abstract thinking and symbolic expression. These skills are basic to the advancement of complex societies and cultures.
Conclusion
The findings from this study contribute to our understanding of the cognitive evolution of early humans in the Levant. By comparing deliberate and accidental incisions on prehistoric lithic artifacts, researchers have shed new light on the capacity for symbolic thought and complexity in ancient societies.
For more data, you can read the full study published in Archaeological and Anthropological sciences [here](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12520-024-02111-4).
Image credit: Photo by Erella Hovers
Explore more about the [earliest human use of color](https://www.iflscience.com/what-was-the-earliest-human-use-of-color-77300) and the engaging world of prehistoric art and symbolism..
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Ancient Engravings Shed Light on Early human Symbolic Thought and Complexity in the Levant
in a groundbreaking study published in the journal Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, researchers have uncovered evidence that suggests some ancient hominids in the Middle East were capable of artistic expression. The findings, which compare engravings from various sites, highlight the differences between deliberate and accidental incisions on prehistoric lithic artifacts.
The study focuses on artifacts from Manot, Qafzeh, and Quneitra, which exhibit intentional incisions that are distinct from the unintentional scratches found on tools from Amud cave. These intentional engravings provide insights into the cognitive evolution of early humans and their capacity for symbolic thought.
Deliberate vs. Accidental Incisions
the Quneitra plaquette, as an example, features a concentric pattern of incisions that matches a similar design found on an auroch bone nearby. This suggests a level of symbolic behavior and intent. Similarly,the Qafzeh core was discovered next to a human burial and a large deposit of ochre,further indicating symbolic behavior.
In contrast,the incision marks on artifacts from amud cave,where Neanderthal burials have been uncovered,appear “shallower,with no clear orientation or patterning.” These markings are similar to those found on other stone tools from the middle Palaeolithic in italy, interpreted as unintentional scratches produced by functional use.
Abstract thinking and Symbolic Expression
“Abstract thinking is a cornerstone of human cognitive evolution,” said co-lead researcher Dr.Mae Goder-goldberger in a [statement](https://en.huji.ac.il/news/ancient-engravings-shed-light-early-human-symbolic-thought-and-complexity-levantine). “The deliberate engravings found on these artefacts highlight the capacity for symbolic expression and suggest a society with advanced conceptual abilities.”
Summary of Key Findings
| Site | Artifact Description | Interpretation |
|————————–|—————————————————————————————————-|—————————————————————————————————-|
| Manot | Engravings with clear patterns and orientations | Deliberate incisions, indicative of symbolic behavior |
| Qafzeh | Core found near human burial and ochre deposit | Symbolic behavior, possibly related to ritual or decoration |
| Quneitra | Plaquette with concentric pattern matching nearby auroch bone | Intentional design, suggesting advanced conceptual abilities |
| Amud | Shallow, randomly oriented incisions | Unintentional scratches from functional use |
Implications for Human Evolution
The study’s implications are significant for our understanding of human evolution. The ability to create deliberate engravings suggests that early humans had advanced cognitive abilities, including the capacity for abstract thinking and symbolic expression.These skills are fundamental to the advancement of complex societies and cultures.
Conclusion
The findings from this study contribute to our understanding of the cognitive evolution of early humans in the Levant. By comparing deliberate and accidental incisions on prehistoric lithic artifacts, researchers have shed new light on the capacity for symbolic thought and complexity in ancient societies.
For more information, you can read the full study published in Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences [here](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12520-024-02111-4).
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