2025-06-02T01:09:26Z

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In a groundbreaking discovery, archaeologists have unearthed a pebble that is believed to bear the oldest full human fingerprint ever recorded. This remarkable find, which researchers suggest was created by Neanderthals, hints at a complex interplay of art and identity in the lives of our ancient relatives. The investigations indicate that a Neanderthal may have used a red pigment on the rock to craft what appears to be an artistic representation of a facial feature, dating back approximately 43,000 years.

The curiosity surrounding the pebble intensified when researchers observed its distinct shape and the red coloration applied in a manner that resembles where a nose would be located. This raised intriguing questions: Was the mark simply a random stain, or was it the result of intentional artistic expression?

Professor María de Andrés-Herrero from Complutense University elaborated that the team swiftly recognized the fingerprint's uniqueness compared to other stones in the area, prompting them to conduct a thorough investigation into the pigment's composition.

Utilizing advanced imaging technology, the researchers set out to determine whether the mark could merely be residue from incidental contact. Upon analysis, they discovered detailed dermatoglyphic features, which are the same ridge patterns seen in human fingerprints. This imprint is believed to belong to an adult male Neanderthal who deliberately dabbed his finger on the surface of the pebble.

Experts confidently ruled out the possibility of accidental contact, as the red pigment discovered does not naturally occur in the surrounding environment and aligns perfectly with the location of the nose-like feature on the pebble.

In their analysis, characteristic points detected by the ABIS system coincided with the central part of the finger, further supporting the notion of intentionality behind the mark. The findings of this study not only add a significant layer to the understanding of Neanderthal creativity but also challenge long-held assumptions about their cognitive capabilities.

Research into Neanderthal art has revealed that these ancient communities were not only capable of creating but also engaging in symbolic expressions. Previous studies have indicated that Neanderthals painted cave walls and might have carried personal objects adorned with symbolic markings. Although much of the portable art has been attributed to later human populations, this new discovery implies that Neanderthals were also involved in early artistic endeavors.

While some archaeologists initially speculated that the red dot might have originated from everyday activities involving colored minerals, they soon found this explanation lacking. Tests confirmed that the pigment was deliberately applied, dismissing the idea of a random smudge. Analysis revealed that the red coloration was an iron-oxide-based compound consistent with ochre, and X-ray fluorescence further demonstrated that the pigment was not native to the shelter, indicating it must have been transported from another location.

A detailed examination under a scanning electron microscope failed to uncover any additional binding agents, reinforcing the idea that only natural pigment was used in creating this early form of art.

Neanderthals have long been subjects of debate concerning their capacity for symbolic thought. However, fresh evidence from various archaeological excavations is gradually reshaping this perspective. Previous indications of symbolic behavior among Neanderthals include the collection of shells, the piercing of animal teeth, and the possible use of natural pigments in various forms.

This intriguing pebble, discovered at the San Lázaro rock-shelter in Segovia, suggests that Neanderthals may have deliberately marked objects with personal or communal significance. Archaeologist David Álvarez Alonso noted that the strategic placement of the red dot implies a conscious decision, possibly reflecting deeper cognitive processes.

The entire rock was excavated from a layer dating back to the late Mousterian period, suggesting that its occupant selected it for purposes beyond practical applications like cutting or pounding.

Once the presence of the fingerprint was confirmed through digital imaging techniques, forensic specialists analyzed its ridge patterns to glean insights about the individual responsible for the mark. Although the findings aligned with male characteristics, experts caution that it remains impossible to definitively identify species-specific traits since no reference prints from Neanderthals exist in contemporary databases.

Spanish official Gonzalo Santonja described the pebble as “the only object of portable art painted by Neanderthals,” during a news conference aimed at updating the local community on this monumental find.

The classification of this object as “art” is a subject of ongoing debate among researchers, yet many argue that marking an object could signify a level of abstract thinking previously thought to be exclusive to more recent human populations.

This discovery is crucial not only for understanding Neanderthal creativity but also for revisiting the broader narrative of human cognitive evolution. Many scientists now believe that Neanderthals possessed the capacity for symbolic thought, as evidenced by their varied toolsets and the intentional application of pigments for purposes beyond mere functionality.

Though modern humans are recognized for creating the most iconic forms of Paleolithic cave art, sites across Europe illustrate that Neanderthals, too, used ochre and similar materials in ways that transcended basic utilitarian functions.

The investigation into this rock has already prompted scholars to rethink how creativity may have manifested in the daily lives of Neanderthals. While disagreements persist regarding the definition of art in prehistoric contexts, there is a growing recognition of the diversity in Neanderthal expression.

Experts suggest that this Spanish pebble is part of an emerging collection of artifacts that underscore the personal agency and symbolic awareness of ancient humans. While a single discovery rarely shifts the scientific consensus radically, the significance of the Spanish find has the potential to inspire further study into the subtle nuances of Neanderthal life and creativity.

As the presence of a deliberately applied pigment and a clear fingerprint indicate, these ancient individuals likely viewed their environment through a complex lens of meaning.

“The pebble from San Lázaro rock-shelter possesses a range of characteristics that render it exceptional. It represents the first known pigment-marked object in an archaeological context,” said Professor Andrés-Herrero, summarizing her team's assessment. This perspective reinforces the notion that Neanderthals actively participated in artistic endeavors once thought to be exclusive to more contemporary humans.

The study detailing these findings has been published in the journal Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences.