In a significant archaeological discovery in central Spain, researchers unearthed a unique granite cobblestone with a red ochre dot, which bears unmistakable evidence of a Neandertal fingerprint. This artifact, dating back about 43,000 years, may be the oldest and most complete Neandertal fingerprint ever recorded. Measuring approximately 20 centimeters in length, the rock intriguingly resembles a human face, with the pigment dot positioned where a nose would be. According to a study published on May 24 in the journal “Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences,” this arrangement suggests pareidolia—a psychological phenomenon where people perceive recognizable patterns, such as faces, in random stimuli. The researchers speculate the symbolism could have inspired the Neandertal individual who applied the ochre.
The stone was excavated during the summer of 2022 from Abrigo de San Lázaro, a Paleolithic rock shelter situated atop dolomite cliffs along the Eresma River. It arose from sediment layers that were accurately radiocarbon-dated to between 43,000 and 42,000 years ago, coinciding with a pivotal period near the end of Neandertal existence. The geological context, marked by limited stone tools showing signs of use, heightened the rock’s significance. David Álvarez Alonso, an historian and archaeologist at the Complutense University of Madrid, noted its size and the prominent red dot as compelling reasons for immediate scrutiny upon its discovery.
Initially, the research team questioned whether the red dot was a natural formation. To resolve this ambiguity, they conducted a mineralogical analysis and consulted forensic specialists from Spain’s national police. Multi-spectral imaging revealed intricate patterns resembling fingerprint ridges, confirming the mark was intentionally made while applying the ochre to the surface. The team suggested the mark was likely made using a fingertip dipped in a mixture of ochre and water. Comparisons with fingerprint databases indicated the print most likely belonged to an adult male, but the specific finger used remains undetermined. This finding stands apart from other instances of incidental prints, which have primarily appeared in contexts like tool-making.
The placement of the ochre dot and the absence of practical utility for the rock imply its symbolic significance rather than functional use. While the exact intentions behind the mark remain speculative, Álvarez Alonso argues that it demonstrates a deep, differentiated meaning attributed to the rock by its creator. Previous views held that Neandertals lacked the cognitive capabilities for symbolic thought, a trait that has historically differentiated them from modern humans. However, recent findings—including decorated seashells and jewelry—have begun to challenge this long-standing assumption, revealing more complex behavioral patterns among Neandertals.
Notable discoveries, such as the painted caves of Ardales and Maltravieso in southern Spain, where Neandertals created geometric designs and hand stencils tens of thousands of years before Homo sapiens arrived, have further supported this reevaluation. Although those early markings lack the artistic sophistication of later Upper Paleolithic art, they implicate a growing acknowledgment of Neandertal symbolic intent. This newly recognized capacity for artistic expression aligns with a broader interpretation of cognitive abilities in both Neandertals and contemporary humans.
The remarkable nature of this study has garnered support from peers in the archaeological community. José Ramos-Muñoz, an archaeologist at the University of Cadiz who was not involved in the research, praised the work as another vital contribution to understanding the origins of art. He emphasized that the earliest forms of artistic expression comprised simple symbols such as dots and lines, reinforcing the idea that the understanding of art’s beginnings is continually evolving with each new discovery. This expanding narrative highlights the intricate relationship between Neandertals and their environment, suggesting that they held a deeper psychological and cultural awareness than previously believed.
