2024-08-06 20:05:45
Discovered in a French cave sealed for tens of thousands of years, the oldest known engravings in Europe were likely not made by modern humans, but rather by Neanderthals.
An exceptional cave
You can find the La Roche-Cotard cave in France, on the banks of the Loire, near the village of Langeais. Sealed by sediments until the late 19th century, the site is known for its significant archaeological and paleontological remains that have revealed valuable information about the history of the region. We know that the area was occupied by prehistoric populations tens of thousands of years ago, as evidenced by the discovery of stone tools, animal bones, and remnants of dwellings.
One of the most important discoveries in the La Roche-Cotard cave is also the presence of isolated parietal engravings on the rock walls, but who is behind them? For decades, researchers believed that these creations were characteristic of modern human behavior. After all, Homo sapiens is credited for a pig drawing dating back 45,500 years in Indonesia and even an ancient “hashtag” 73,000 years old in South Africa. However, researchers have recently uncovered older examples of non-utilitarian objects and art in Europe and other parts of the world created not by our ancestors, but by Neanderthals.
Regarding the La Roche-Cotard cave, anthropologists have isolated at least eight panels featuring more than 400 traces of lines and abstract dots. They are considered “engravings” in that they represent a deliberate removal of material.
Examples of engravings discovered in the Roche-Cotard cave. Credits: Jean-Claude Marquet
Intentional engravings by our close cousins
To understand how and by whom these engravings were made, researchers set up an experiment in a similar cave. The details of this new work are published in the journal PLOS One. One person was tasked with recreating the same marks using their fingers, bones, wood, flint, and metal tips against the rock wall. Using photogrammetry methods (a technique that uses hundreds of photos to create virtual 3D models), the researchers were then able to compare these experimental marks with prehistoric works. The analyses showed that these engravings were made with fingers.
To determine whether these marks were made by modern humans or Neanderthals, the researchers then used a technique called optically stimulated luminescence of sediments to determine when they were last exposed to daylight. The analysis revealed that the cave had been sealed for at least 57,000 years, and possibly as long as 75,000 years.
Current evidence suggests that our ancestors were not present in France until at least 54,000 years ago. In contrast, we know that our Neanderthal cousins had been in the region for at least 300,000 years. For researchers, it is therefore highly unlikely that anatomically modern humans had access to the inside of the cave. Consequently, they are presumably not the authors of these engravings.
This study is significant because it extends the age of finger markings and associates them for the first time with a hominid species other than Homo sapiens. It also confirms that the culture of our Neanderthal cousins was more complex and diverse than previously thought.
In conclusion, the discoveries from the La Roche-Cotard cave challenge our perceptions of the artistic and cultural capabilities of Neanderthals. These engravings, sealed for tens of thousands of years, reveal an intentional artistic expression attributed to a time long before modern humans arrived in France. This study illuminates the complexity and diversity of Neanderthal culture, confirming that our prehistoric cousins possessed much more elaborate symbolic skills and behaviors than previously recognized. These engravings are not only a poignant testament to their existence but also open new perspectives on the evolution of art and human cognition.
Exploring Future Trends in Neanderthal Art and Cognition
Recent discoveries in the La Roche-Cotard cave in France have sparked renewed interest in the artistic capabilities of Neanderthals, challenging long-held views about human artistry. As researchers uncover more evidence of prehistoric art created by Neanderthals, we can expect several emerging trends in this field of study.
One significant trend is the growing emphasis on interdisciplinary research. The integration of archaeology, anthropology, and advanced imaging technologies, such as photogrammetry, will likely continue to enhance our understanding of Neanderthal cultural expressions. This collaborative approach allows scientists to reconstruct ancient environments and analyze artifacts in unprecedented ways, leading to more nuanced interpretations of Neanderthal intelligence and creativity.
Furthermore, as radiometric dating techniques improve, scholars will gain better insights into the timeline of human presence in Europe. This could lead to a reevaluation of the interactions between Homo sapiens and Neanderthals, especially regarding cultural exchanges and technological innovations. Future studies may unveil new narratives highlighting the sophistication of Neanderthal culture, potentially debunking the stereotype of them as primitive beings.
The trend of embracing Neanderthal art as a legitimate form of expression will also gain traction within academic circles and the public domain. With more exhibitions showcasing their artwork, the narrative surrounding Neanderthals will shift from that of competition with Homo sapiens to one of coexistence. This arts-centric perspective could become a catalyst for educational programs aimed at highlighting our shared ancestry and the continuity of human artistic endeavor.
Lastly, advancements in digital archaeology will pave the way for virtual reconstructions of ancient sites, allowing broader access for enthusiasts and researchers. This capability may foster community involvement in global discussions about human history, promoting a collective appreciation for the richness of Neanderthal culture and its implications for understanding our own evolutionary journey.