Scientists in Spain say they have discovered the oldest full human fingerprint after unearthing a rock which they say resembles a human face and suggests Neanderthals could make art. A Neanderthal man is believed to have dipped his finger in red pigment to paint a nose on a pebble around 43,000 years ago. The rock was discovered in the San Lázaro rock shelter in Segovia, Spain. The "strategic position" of the dot has led scientists to see it as evidence of Neanderthals' "symbolic behaviour", suggesting they had the ability to think about things in an abstract way. The findings contribute to the ongoing debate on Neanderthals' ability to make art, study co-author María de Andrés-Herrero said. In an interview with the BBC's Newsday, Prof de Andrés-Herrero from the University of Complutense in Madrid said excavation at the shelter began five years ago and in 2022 they found the stone below 1.5m (5 feet) of sediments from Neanderthal groups. "At the beginning we couldn't believe what we were looking at, because there was a bigger stone in comparison to other stones that appeared at this site, with a red dot just in the middle which looked like a human face." It was unclear whether the dot was made with ochre, a natural clay pigment. Once the research group was able to confirm it was a pigment, Prof de Andrés-Herrero said they contactedSpain's scientific police to support their efforts. This team was able to conduct deep research using multi-spectrum analysis and they identified a fingerprint. Analysis of the pebble also suggested the fingerprint was of a male adult, according to the team's investigations. But archaeologist David Álvarez Alonso, the study's co-author, said that as there were no other Neanderthal references to compare the prints to, it was difficult to say for certain. Speaking from a news conference updating the public on the scientific development, Spanish official Gonzalo Santonja said the pebble was the oldest portable object to be painted in the European continent and "the only object of portable art painted by Neanderthals". Prof de Andrés-Herrero said her research group's findings mark "an important contribution to the debate on Neanderthals' symbolic capacity, because it represents the first known pigment-marked object in an archaeological context" and it is "clear it is a Neanderthal site". In addition to this, the human fingerprint was found in a non-utilitarian context, the expert added, suggesting that the dot on the pebble was intended for artistic purposes. Prof Herrero also said it is the first time scientists have discovered a stone in an archaeological context with a red ochre dot, meaning Neanderthals brought it to the shelter. The thinking is that one of the Neanderthals found the stone, "which caught his attention because of its fissures, and he intentionally made his mark with an ochre [pigment] stain in the middle of the object," Prof Alonso said, quoted by Spanish news agency Europa Press. Researchers believe the mark was not accidental because, according to their findings, the red pigment does not exist naturally in the shelter, meaning it was "intentionally brought to the shelter". In their paper, which waspublished in the journal Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, researchers wrote: "The pebble from San Lázaro rock-shelter presents a series of characteristics that render it exceptional, based on which we have deemed it a visual symbol that could be considered a piece of portable art in some contexts."
Ancient human fingerprint suggests Neanderthals made art
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"Discovery of Ancient Fingerprint Suggests Neanderthals Created Art"
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TruthLens AI Summary
A groundbreaking discovery in Spain has revealed what scientists believe to be the oldest full human fingerprint, potentially indicating that Neanderthals were capable of creating art. The finding was made during excavations at the San Lázaro rock shelter in Segovia, where researchers unearthed a rock featuring a red pigment mark that resembles a human face. This artifact, dated to approximately 43,000 years ago, suggests that a Neanderthal may have intentionally dipped his finger in red pigment to paint a nose on a pebble. The strategic placement of the dot has led researchers to interpret it as evidence of Neanderthals' symbolic behavior, which implies a capacity for abstract thinking. María de Andrés-Herrero, a co-author of the study, emphasized that these findings contribute significantly to the ongoing discourse regarding Neanderthals' artistic abilities and their cognitive complexity.
The excavation, which started five years ago, yielded the stone beneath 1.5 meters of sediments linked to Neanderthal habitation. Initially, the researchers were astonished by the larger stone's distinct red dot. Once confirmed as a pigment, further analysis was conducted, leading to the identification of the human fingerprint, believed to belong to a male adult. Despite the challenges in comparing the fingerprint to other Neanderthal references, the study's co-author, David Álvarez Alonso, noted the unique context of the finding. Spanish official Gonzalo Santonja highlighted the pebble as the oldest painted portable object in Europe and the only known piece of Neanderthal art. The research team's conclusions, published in the journal Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, assert that the dot was likely made with intention, as the red pigment does not naturally occur in the shelter, indicating that it was deliberately brought there by a Neanderthal. This discovery marks a significant milestone in understanding Neanderthal behavior and their capacity for symbolic expression in prehistoric times.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The recent discovery of what is believed to be the oldest full human fingerprint, attributed to Neanderthals, presents significant implications for our understanding of early human behavior and artistic expression. This finding, which suggests that Neanderthals engaged in artistic activities, could reshape the narrative around their cognitive abilities and cultural practices.
Purpose of the Publication
This discovery is likely aimed at challenging preconceived notions about Neanderthals. By presenting evidence that they might have created art, the study encourages a reevaluation of Neanderthals as more complex beings than previously thought. The emphasis on artistic capabilities could foster a greater appreciation for early human cultures.
Public Perception
The article aims to create a sense of intrigue and curiosity about Neanderthals and their capacities for abstraction and symbolism. By framing Neanderthals as potential artists, it contributes to a more nuanced view of human evolution, inviting public interest and discussion.
Information Omission
There is no obvious indication that the article is attempting to conceal information. However, the lack of comparative analysis with other known Neanderthal artifacts may leave readers wanting more context regarding the significance of this fingerprint.
Manipulative Elements
The article does not appear overtly manipulative, but it does leverage the excitement surrounding the discovery of early human art to engage readers. The use of language that emphasizes the "strategic position" of the dot and the "symbolic behavior" of Neanderthals could be seen as a way to evoke a strong emotional response.
Trustworthiness of the Report
The report seems credible, as it is based on scientific excavation and analysis. However, the absence of comparative references to other Neanderthal fingerprints calls for a cautious interpretation of the findings.
Community Impact
The implications of this discovery could resonate across various communities, particularly among archaeologists, anthropologists, and those interested in human history. It may also engage the general public, prompting discussions about human origins and cultural development.
Economic and Political Repercussions
While the immediate economic impact on stock markets may be minimal, the news could influence funding for archaeological research and the preservation of cultural heritage sites. Politically, it may stimulate discourse on the importance of supporting scientific studies that enhance our understanding of human history.
Supportive Communities
This discovery is likely to garner support from academic circles, particularly in anthropology and archaeology, as well as from groups advocating for the preservation of historical artifacts. It appeals to those interested in the evolution of human culture and identity.
Market Implications
This type of archaeological finding might not have a direct effect on stock markets or specific sectors. However, companies involved in education, museums, or cultural tourism may see increased interest and investment as a result of heightened public interest in early human history.
Geopolitical Context
The discovery contributes to the broader narrative of human evolution, which can impact discussions on identity and heritage across nations. It ties into contemporary dialogues about cultural legacy and the importance of historical understanding in modern society.
Use of AI in Writing
There is a possibility that AI tools may have been utilized to draft or edit the article, particularly in organizing the scientific findings into a coherent narrative. If AI was involved, it might have influenced the clarity and accessibility of the information presented.
In conclusion, this article serves to elevate the understanding of Neanderthals, suggesting a level of sophistication in their behavior that prompts further inquiry into human ancestry. The findings may not only stimulate academic discussions but also engage the public's imagination regarding our prehistoric relatives.