In a groundbreaking discovery, the oldest Neanderthal cave engravings have been unearthed in France, dating back an astonishing 75,000 years. These engravings, known as finger flutings, have provided researchers with valuable insights into the artistic expression of our ancient human relatives.
A team of experts from the University of Tours meticulously analyzed the marks found on a wall within the La Roche-Cotard cave in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France. These marks consisted of long lines, dashes, and dots scattered throughout the cave. By creating 3D models of the engravings and comparing them to similar markings made by humans, the team concluded that they were deliberate and intentional, made by Neanderthal fingers creating indents on a soft surface.
By studying the sediment found at the site, the team deduced that the cave had been sealed off approximately 57,000 years ago due to accumulating rocks and debris. This timeline places the creation of the “finger flutings” well before Homo sapiens established a presence in the region. Combined with the association of stone tools within the cave to Neanderthals, the evidence strongly suggests that these engravings were the handiwork of our ancient relatives. In fact, by studying the layers of rock, the team has even hypothesized that the engravings could date as far back as 75,000 years ago.
These newly discovered engravings are nearly 40,000 years older than any previously found etchings in caves. Although the intent behind these markings, which do not depict animals or objects, remains unclear, they are roughly the same age as other cave engravings made by early humans around the world.
This discovery adds to the growing body of evidence that Neanderthals possessed complex and diverse behaviors and activities, similar to those of our own ancestors. The authors of the study stated, “Fifteen years after resuming excavations at the La Roche-Cotard site, the engravings have been dated to over 57,000 years ago and, thanks to stratigraphy, probably to around 75,000 years ago, making this the oldest decorated cave in France, if not Europe.”
Notable previous Neanderthal engraving finds include a rock engraving in Gibraltar dating back over 39,000 years and a 51,000-year-old engraved deer bone. This latest discovery in France further illuminates the rich cultural history of our ancient human relatives.
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