Ancient cave art in Spain likely made by Neanderthals, not humans

Spain is the oldest dated cave painting, with a minimum age of 66,700 years. (Image: (Hoffman et al/ Science)

New research reveals Neanderthals created cave art long before humans arrived. Spanish caves host hand stencils, dots and geometric pigment designs. The dates suggest these works are at least 64,000 years old. Modern humans had not reached Iberia during this ancient period. This evidence positions Neanderthals as capable of symbolic artistic expression.

Ancient Art in Spanish Caves

Researchers examined Maltravieso, La Pasiega and Ardales cave sites carefully. Calcite layers covering pigments were dated using uranium-thorium techniques precisely. These measurements provide minimum ages for the underlying painted surfaces.

Signs include handprints, lines, dots and abstract geometric symbols frequently. The findings challenge assumptions about modern humans owning symbolic behaviour exclusively.

Cognitive Abilities of Neanderthals

Creating cave art implies planning, pigment preparation and lighting knowledge. Neanderthals may have understood abstract symbolism and expressed cultural complexity. This finding reduces cognitive divide that was believed to exist between species.

Neanderthals created cave art long before humans arrived. (Image: Hoffman et al/Science)

Previously, opinions tended to undervalue the ability of Neanderthals to culminate into cultural and creative behaviour. The purpose of the artistic expression was probably social and ritualistic in communities.

Human Evolution Implication

The researchers have come to re-evaluate chronologies of symbolic behaviour among the initial hominins in the world. Neandertals could have been sharing cognitive characteristics that were thought to be exclusive to man.

The research supports immensely the relevance of Europe in prehistoric culture activities. These results provoke the reconsideration of our species which presupposes intellectual dominance.