Neanderthals and the Origins of Art

Prior to recent discoveries, the narrative of prehistoric art generally attributed the first known paintings and other forms of artwork to Homo sapiens who arrived in Europe around 40,000 to 50,000 years ago. However, in a surprising turn of events, evidence suggests that Neanderthals, a less-coveted species in the early days of paleoanthropology, might have been responsible for some of the earliest known cave art, dating back as far as 65,000 years ago.

Discoveries in Spain

Researchers from two new studies published in Science and Science Advances have uncovered rock paintings and perforated shells dating from over 65,000 years ago, painting a new picture of Neanderthals as beings capable of creating complex and symbolic art.

In the Cueva de los Aviones, in southeastern Spain, researchers have identified over twelve examples of rock paintings, estimated to be more than 65,000 years old. Additionally, the Cueva de los Aviones has yielded the oldest examples of personal ornaments known worldwide, dating back at least 115,000 years ago. These findings challenge previous beliefs that Neanderthals could only imitate the artistic styles of Homo sapiens.

The Intelligence of the Neanderthals

The idea that Neanderthals were intellectually inferior largely shaped by outdated stereotyping. Initially, the bones found in 1856 at the Neander Valley, Germany, were thought to belong to a deformed human being. However, scientists recognized them as a distinct hominin species: Homo neanderthalensis. In the 1950s, these misconceptions began to be challenged, leading to the acceptance that Neanderthals possessed the ability for symbolism and had even made medicinal use of plants.

Genetic studies have further revealed that interbreeding occurred between Neanderthals and modern humans. Approximately 2% of the European and Asian DNA can be traced back to Neanderthals, suggesting a more significant interaction than originally thought. Despite these findings, some researchers were hesitant to accept that Neanderthals engaged in symbolic art, positing that such artwork first emerged in Europe exclusively following the arrival of Homo sapiens.

Challenging the Timeframe

Key to dispelling the myth that Neanderthals could only imitate Homo sapiens was the dating of the rock paintings and artifacts. Chemist Dirk Hoffmann, a researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, developed a technique based on uranium-thorium dating—whereby measuring the uranium-to-thorium ratio in the minerals that form from water deposits can determine the age of the paintings. This required minimal samples, making the process both precise and challenging.

The interdisciplinary collaboration between archaeologists and chemists has been crucial in this journey. It was not just the presence of art that etched the Neanderthals' capabilities in stone, but also the sophisticated techniques employed to analyze and date these ancient works.

Pioneering Scientific Validation

The discoveries in Spain have added a vital chapter to the understanding of prehistoric cultural practices. Studies like these in Cueva de los Aviones not only corroborate the existence of Neanderthals' artistic endeavors but also underscore their cognitive capacities. As Neanderthals are increasingly portrayed as beings sophisticated enough to create and appreciate art, this cements their legacy in the annals of human cultural history.