Researchers in central Spain say they may have uncovered one of the most ancient symbolic objects bearing a human fingerprint on record in Europe, dating back tens of thousands of years. Unlocking the secret identity of exactly who made the mark involved enlisting the help of forensic experts working in crime scene investigations. The pebble marked with the print, found in the San Lázaro rock shelter in Segovia, hints at the possible capacity of Neanderthals to create symbolic art, according to a new study. The discovery adds to a growing body of evidence, including cave markings and paintings unearthed in recent years, building the case that our prehistoric relatives who went extinct about 40,000 years ago were more like modern humans than some might think. The team of Spanish researchers spotted the oblong rock below 5 feet (1.5 meters) of sediment during an excavation in July 2022 and reported their findings in a paper published May 24 in the journal Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences. San Lázaro is a site believed to have been occupied by Neanderthals, according to the study. “When we saw (the pebble) the first time … we were looking at the stone, all the team and students, and we were like ‘Uh, it looks like a face,’” said study coauthor María de Andrés Herrero, a professor of prehistory at the Compultense University of Madrid. This kind of finding in a Neanderthal context was unexpected, she added. Herrero said she and her team carbon-dated the fingerprint, and they are certain it dates back about 43,000 years. The rock had been found near a riverbed and deliberately brought to the rock shelter, the researchers believe. Unlike other artifacts found in the shelter, this pebble was unique: It appeared to have no functional use and had a peculiar red dot that intrigued the researchers. “We felt that the red dot had something, I don’t know what … and the only way we could know there was a fingerprint was to contact the main specialist in Spain (for) finding fingerprints,” Herrero said. “That’s why we contacted the police.” Unraveling a Neanderthal mystery With the help of experts working in crime scene investigations with Madrid’s forensic police corps Madrid, the researchers were able to confirm that a fingerprint existed within the dot. But the police were initially skeptical about the find. “They are used to identifying fingerprints that are very recent, from 2 days, 1 week, 1 month. But 43,000 years ago — it was very weird and very difficult for them,” Herrero said. Using forensic techniques and multispectral analysis (an advanced method of capturing images), the investigative experts and the study team were able to discern a fingerprint within the red dot. “We couldn’t believe it really,” Herrero said. The forensic investigator created a special camera to capture the evidence, and it was the first time such techniques were used to identify a Neanderthal fingerprint, according to Herrero. The imaging technology section of the forensic team then analyzed the marking to confirm it was compatible with a human fingerprint — and to make sure it didn’t belong to any of the researchers. The police unit was able to verify that it likely belonged to an adult male Neanderthal. “The verification of the fingerprint by forensic experts shows beyond doubt that this derived from direct contact with a human fingerprint,” said Paul Pettitt, a professor of paleolithic archaeology at Durham University in the United Kingdom. The artifact could be the oldest complete hominin fingerprint ever found, according to Herrero. Another, possibly older print was found in Königsaue, Germany, back in 1963 — but that one is a partial fingerprint. The San Lázaro fingerprint could also be the oldest associated with a pigment, according to the study. The researchers were able to confirm that ocher, a clay pigment, was applied to the tip of the finger that made its mark on the quartz-rich granite pebble. Statistical modeling used by the researchers showed that the mark on the pebble was “not random” and rather, intentionally placed, Herrero said. Pettitt said he was unsurprised by the findings. “It represents yet another example of the emerging data that are revealing Neanderthal visual culture,” he explained. “This is an admirably clear and unequivocal example of the Neanderthal use of red pigment, one of a growing database that reveals that Neanderthals were routinely using pigments to leave marks of their bodies (hands, fingertips) on cave walls and portable objects.” One theory is that the hollows on the rock resemble parts of a face: eyes, mouth and chin. The placement of the red dot, the researchers hypothesized, could be the place of a nose. If that is the case, the pebble marking would constitute a visual sign with a symbolic purpose. “A meaning or message exists, however simple the object and action may appear, “the study authors wrote. They added there is reason to suspect that the pebble was intended to be a representation of a face. The study, which called the characteristics of the pebble “exceptional,” suggests it might be a visual symbol that could be considered a piece of “portable art in some contexts.” Neanderthals vs. modern humans If that’s the case, scientists’ understanding of what Neanderthals were capable of could continue to shift. “The fact that the pebble was selected because of its appearance and then marked with ocher shows that there was a human mind capable of symbolizing, imagining, idealizing and projecting his or her thoughts on an object,” the study authors wrote. Though there is no way of knowing for certain, Herrero thinks it’s a demonstration of how our understanding of the “thin line” separating Neanderthals from modern humans is getting thinner. “They were able to recognize faces in objects, as you and me are able to recognize a lion in the clouds,” she said. Pettitt offered a similar outlook, saying the findings fit with “emerging evidence that the Neanderthal imagination was experimenting with the human form and with recognition and extension of that form within and onto objects in their natural world.” Herrero said the research team is now planning to search for more “invisible artifacts” to help interpret the past. The forensic police will play a role in finding information not visible to the naked eye. “We have to collaborate and integrate forensic technologies in archaeology, and maybe archaeology in forensic technologies,” she explained, saying the collaboration is “opening a new window to check our past.”
Prehistoric fingerprint found in Spain offers clue to Neanderthal capacity for making art, study finds
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Discovery of Ancient Neanderthal Fingerprint in Spain Suggests Symbolic Art Creation"
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TruthLens AI Summary
Researchers in central Spain have made a groundbreaking discovery at the San Lázaro rock shelter in Segovia, where they found a pebble bearing a human fingerprint that is believed to date back approximately 43,000 years. This pebble, which appears to hold no functional purpose and features a peculiar red dot, suggests that Neanderthals may have possessed the capacity for symbolic art. The discovery adds to the growing evidence that Neanderthals, who went extinct around 40,000 years ago, were more similar to modern humans than previously thought. The team unearthed the pebble during an excavation in July 2022, and its significance was confirmed through forensic analysis conducted in collaboration with Madrid’s forensic police. This interdisciplinary approach allowed the researchers to identify the fingerprint within the red dot, which was initially met with skepticism by forensic experts accustomed to analyzing much more recent prints. The fingerprint was confirmed to belong to an adult male Neanderthal, marking this finding as potentially the oldest complete hominin fingerprint ever recorded.
The implications of this discovery extend beyond mere identification; the presence of ocher pigment on the pebble suggests an intentional act of marking, possibly for symbolic communication. The researchers hypothesize that the markings may represent a face, indicating a complex cognitive ability to symbolize and imagine, akin to modern human behavior. This finding challenges the previously held notions about the cognitive divide between Neanderthals and modern humans. According to study coauthor María de Andrés Herrero, the ability to recognize faces in objects and to create symbolic representations indicates a sophisticated level of thought. The study's results invite further exploration into Neanderthal cognitive abilities and their potential for artistic expression, highlighting the need for ongoing collaboration between forensic science and archaeology to uncover more about our prehistoric relatives. The researchers plan to continue their work in the region to search for additional artifacts that may provide further insights into the lives and capabilities of Neanderthals, emphasizing a new avenue for understanding the past.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The recent discovery of a prehistoric fingerprint in Spain is not just an archaeological find; it holds significant implications for our understanding of Neanderthals and their potential for artistic expression. The study reveals that this ancient artifact may suggest a deeper cognitive ability among our prehistoric relatives, challenging long-held perceptions about their capabilities.
Purpose of the Publication
The researchers aim to highlight the cognitive and creative capacities of Neanderthals, suggesting that they may have engaged in symbolic thinking much like modern humans. By presenting this finding, they contribute to an evolving narrative that portrays Neanderthals as more complex and culturally sophisticated than previously understood.
Public Perception
The article attempts to create intrigue around the idea that Neanderthals were not merely primitive beings but had the potential for artistic expression. This could foster a greater appreciation for human evolutionary history and encourage public interest in archaeology and anthropology.
Potential Concealment of Information
While the article does not overtly conceal information, it may downplay the ongoing debates in the scientific community regarding the interpretation of Neanderthal behavior and culture. There is also a possibility that the implications of Neanderthal extinction are glossed over, which might be relevant in discussions about human evolution.
Manipulative Elements
The article employs a somewhat sensational tone, using phrases like "one of the most ancient symbolic objects" which may evoke a dramatic response from the audience. However, this does not necessarily indicate manipulation; rather, it seeks to engage readers' curiosity about human history.
Reliability Assessment
The study's findings appear credible, given that they are supported by carbon dating and collaboration with forensic experts. However, the interpretation of these findings is still subject to peer review and debate within the academic community.
Societal Implications
This discovery could influence educational curricula, foster interest in prehistoric studies, and potentially encourage more funding for archaeological research. It may also ignite discussions about human identity and our relationship with extinct species.
Target Audience
The article likely appeals to both academic circles and the general public interested in anthropology, history, and human evolution. It may particularly resonate with communities advocating for the recognition of Neanderthals as cultural beings.
Economic Impact
While the direct economic impact on stock markets may be minimal, increased public interest in archaeology could lead to a rise in tourism in historical sites, which can indirectly affect local economies.
Geopolitical Relevance
The findings may not have direct geopolitical implications, but they contribute to the broader narrative of human evolution, which can affect cultural identity and discussions surrounding scientific research funding.
Artificial Intelligence Influence
There is a possibility that AI tools were utilized in the analysis of data or in drafting the article, particularly in terms of structuring the findings in an engaging manner. However, it is challenging to pinpoint specific AI models used without further context.
In conclusion, while the article presents an exciting glimpse into prehistoric life, it is essential to approach such findings with a critical eye, recognizing the complexities of interpreting archaeological evidence. The overall reliability of the information seems strong, but as always, ongoing research and peer feedback will be crucial in validating these claims.