Deep within the recesses of La Roche-Cotard cave in France lies a silent testament to the artistic prowess of our ancient cousins, the Neanderthals. A recent study, published in the open-access journal PLOS ONE by Jean-Claude Marquet and colleagues from the University of Tours, France, unveils a discovery that rewinds the tapestry of time – the oldest known engravings made by Neanderthals.
In recent decades, archaeological endeavors have shed light on the multifaceted nature of Neanderthal culture. Yet, amidst this burgeoning understanding, the realm of symbolic and artistic expression has remained shrouded in mystery. While a handful of symbolic artifacts have been attributed to Neanderthals, their interpretation has often been mired in debate. However, within the dim confines of La Roche-Cotard cave, a revelation awaits.
Here, amidst the ochre-stained walls, a series of non-figurative markings emerge, etched into the stone like whispers from the past. Interpreted as finger-flutings – marks left behind by human hands – these engravings bear witness to a profound moment of creativity. Employing advanced techniques such as plotting analysis and photogrammetry, the research team meticulously dissected these markings, revealing a deliberate, organized, and intentional creation.
But how old are these enigmatic engravings, and who were their creators? Through the precise dating of cave sediments using optically-stimulated luminescence dating, the team unraveled the chronicles of time. The cave’s closure, sealed off by infilling sediment around 57,000 years ago, predates the arrival of Homo sapiens in the region. Furthermore, the presence of only Mousterian stone tools, a technology synonymous with Neanderthals, strengthens the case for their authorship.
Yet, the intent behind these non-figurative symbols remains veiled in ambiguity. Were they expressions of spirituality, communication, or perhaps simply the mark of idle hands upon the canvas of stone? Regardless of their purpose, their antiquity echoes a profound truth – the complexity and diversity of Neanderthal behavior rivaled that of our own ancestors.
As Marquet and colleagues eloquently state, “Fifteen years after the resumption of 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.” In the hallowed halls of La Roche-Cotard, the echoes of Neanderthal ingenuity resonate through the ages, illuminating the rich tapestry of human history with each stroke of the ancient artist’s hand.
Source: Public Library of Science