SPAIN – In a groundbreaking discovery, archaeologists have uncovered what could be the world’s oldest human fingerprint, left on a rock in Spain and dating back approximately 43,000 years. This ancient mark is believed to have been made by a Neanderthal, offering new insights into early human creativity and expression.
Breaking: Ancient Fingerprint Discovery
The fingerprint, found in red ocher pigment on a small granite pebble, was discovered at the San Lazaro rock shelter in central Spain. Experts suggest that the Neanderthal who created the print was attempting to paint a face, marking a rare instance of art from the Middle Paleolithic period.
Immediate Impact
This discovery, published in the journal Archaeological and Anthropological Science, challenges previous assumptions about Neanderthal capabilities. The study, a collaborative effort involving the Complutense University of Madrid and other institutions, highlights the potential for abstract thought among Neanderthals.
“This object contributes to our understanding of Neanderthals’ capacity for abstraction, suggesting that it could represent one of the earliest human facial symbolizations in prehistory,” the study authors noted.
Key Details Emerge
The research team employed advanced techniques such as scanning electron microscopy and multispectral spectroscopy to analyze the fingerprint. Forensic analyses confirmed the mark as human, reinforcing the notion of intentional creation rather than accidental occurrence.
“It is not just a fingerprint; it is the signature of an individual who manipulated this object with a purpose that goes beyond the utilitarian,” the researchers explained.
By the Numbers
- 43,000 years: Estimated age of the fingerprint
- 1 fingerprint: The only known human fingerprint from this era
- 1 pebble: Used solely for artistic purposes, not as a tool
Background Context
The pebble, believed to have originated from the Eresma River, shows no signs of utilitarian use, a rarity for the period. The painted fingerprint aligns with the pebble’s form, suggesting the Neanderthal intended to depict a human face, complete with eyes, a mouth, and a nose-like ridge.
“This pebble could thus represent one of the oldest known abstractions of a human face in the prehistoric record,” researchers stated, noting the phenomenon of “face pareidolia” where humans attribute human-like features to inanimate objects.
Expert Analysis
The study’s findings underscore a shift in understanding Neanderthal behavior, suggesting they engaged in ritualistic or artistic activities. This challenges the long-held view of Neanderthals as solely utilitarian beings and opens up new avenues for understanding early human expression.
What Comes Next
Looking ahead, this discovery prompts further investigation into Neanderthal sites across Europe, as researchers aim to uncover more evidence of artistic and symbolic behavior. This could reshape our understanding of human evolution and the development of culture.
The fingerprint discovery not only enriches our knowledge of Neanderthals but also invites a reevaluation of the cognitive and cultural capabilities of early humans, suggesting a more complex and nuanced picture of our ancestors.
