For decades, scientists have debated whether Neanderthals possessed the cognitive ability to create symbolic art. Now, a groundbreaking study published in Science Advances suggests these early humans may have indeed engaged in artistic expression, using crayon-like tools fashioned from ocher minerals.
The Discovery
In what researchers describe as a “very special” find, archaeologists discovered three fragments of ocher mineral dating back up to 100,000 years in Crimean rock shelters. These fragments show clear evidence of having been sharpened repeatedly, suggesting they were deliberately crafted and maintained as drawing instruments.
According to lead researcher Francesco d’Errico, the ability to create fine points indicates a sophisticated understanding of tool use. The study, which examined 16 ocher fragments from four sites across Crimea and northeastern Ukraine, revealed three pieces with distinctive characteristics that set them apart from other potential uses of ocher, such as for tanning hides or repelling insects.
What Makes These Fragments Significant?
The researchers identified three key features that suggest symbolic use:
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Repeated sharpening : One fragment shows clear signs of being resharpened multiple times, indicating it was used repeatedly as a drawing tool.
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Tool-like form : Another fragment appears to be part of a broken crayon, suggesting it was intentionally shaped for drawing.
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Purposeful markings : A third fragment has lines deliberately engraved into its base, hinting at possible symbolic meaning.
These features stand in contrast to fragments that show signs of heavy use or other practical applications.
The Debate Continues
Despite the compelling evidence, not all experts agree that these fragments definitively prove symbolic art. Archaeologist Rebecca Wragg Sykes points out that the markings could alternatively represent traces of pigment production rather than intentional symbolic expression.
April Nowell adds that the distinction between practical and symbolic use may be less clear-cut than some researchers suggest. “Once Neanderthals started to use ocher for practical purposes, such as insect repellent, they likely also developed it for body painting and clothing designs,” she notes.
Broader Implications
This discovery adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting Neanderthals engaged in symbolic behaviors. Sites across Europe have yielded pigments used for various purposes, from practical applications to potentially symbolic expression.
The Crimean findings, however, represent some of the oldest evidence of pigment use in Eastern Europe and western Asia—a region where such cultural expressions have previously been less documented.
What’s Next?
The researchers emphasize that more evidence is needed to fully understand Neanderthal symbolic behavior. While the Crimean crayons provide compelling clues, they are just one piece in a larger, ongoing puzzle.
As d’Errico concludes, “Tracing where Neanderthals obtained their coloring materials provides a window into the choices these individuals made and how they perceived differences in color and quality.”
Conclusion
The discovery of these ancient crayons suggests that Neanderthals may have engaged in symbolic expression far earlier than previously thought. While debates continue among experts, the findings open new doors for understanding early human cognition and cultural development
