Thousands of years ago, Neanderthals inhabited the Earth. And while much is already known about their way of life, scientists continue to discover new insights about them.
Scientists have discovered that approximately 57,000 years ago, prehistoric individuals utilized their fingers to create markings on the walls of a cave in France. This was well before the arrival of modern humans in the area, as recent research indicates.
The artwork in the cave at La Roche-Cotard, France is believed to have been created by Neanderthals who likely used their fingers to shape the once-soft cave walls. The group’s special engravings, consisting of various dots, stripes, and lines, are considered one of the earliest forms of art. The art created by Neanderthals is believed to be one of the oldest examples in Western Europe. It consists of eight separate panels on the upper part of a cave wall.
The technique of creating marks using fingers is called finger fluting, but the purpose and meaning of the marks are unclear.
According to new research, most of the marks on these panels were created by flat fingers, with a few rare marks made by fingers on their sides.
Researchers say that the cave entrance was closed off by sediment over 51,000 years ago. According to scientists, the cave was inaccessible to humans and other large animals after this point until it was rediscovered in the early 20th century. Moreover, the artwork found inside the cave is estimated to be much older, dating back to roughly 75,000 years ago.
Scientists have discovered that approximately 57,000 years ago, prehistoric individuals utilized their fingers to create markings on the walls of a cave in France. This was well before the arrival of modern humans in the area, as recent research indicates.
The artwork in the cave at La Roche-Cotard, France is believed to have been created by Neanderthals who likely used their fingers to shape the once-soft cave walls. The group’s special engravings, consisting of various dots, stripes, and lines, are considered one of the earliest forms of art. The art created by Neanderthals is believed to be one of the oldest examples in Western Europe. It consists of eight separate panels on the upper part of a cave wall.
The technique of creating marks using fingers is called finger fluting, but the purpose and meaning of the marks are unclear.
According to new research, most of the marks on these panels were created by flat fingers, with a few rare marks made by fingers on their sides.
Researchers say that the cave entrance was closed off by sediment over 51,000 years ago. According to scientists, the cave was inaccessible to humans and other large animals after this point until it was rediscovered in the early 20th century. Moreover, the artwork found inside the cave is estimated to be much older, dating back to roughly 75,000 years ago.
