Advanced 3D analysis of Stone Age artifacts has revealed that our ancient ancestors were creating intentional geometric designs as early as 100,000 years ago, challenging previous assumptions about when humans developed abstract thinking and artistic expression.
The groundbreaking research, published in Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, examined stone artifacts from several caves in the Levant region, showing clear evidence that some early humans were deliberately creating patterns rather than just making practical tools.
“Abstract thinking is a cornerstone of human cognitive evolution. The deliberate engravings found on these artifacts highlight the capacity for symbolic expression and suggest a society with advanced conceptual abilities,” explains Dr. Mae Goder-Goldberger of Hebrew University and Ben Gurion University, who led the study.
Using sophisticated 3D surface analysis, researchers examined stone artifacts from multiple archaeological sites including Manot Cave, Amud Cave, Qafzeh Cave, and Quneitra. The analysis revealed a striking difference between purely functional marks and intentional artistic patterns.
Three of the examined artifacts – from Manot, Qafzeh, and Quneitra – showed carefully planned geometric patterns that aligned with their surface shapes. These engravings demonstrated consistent techniques and deliberate placement, suggesting they were created for non-practical purposes.
In contrast, items found in Amud Cave showed markedly different characteristics. Their shallow, irregular marks were consistent with practical use as abrading tools, providing an important comparison point for identifying truly artistic work.
“The methodology we employed not only highlights the intentional nature of these engravings but also provides for the first time a comparative framework for studying similar artifacts, enriching our understanding of Middle Palaeolithic societies,” notes Dr. João Marreiros of the Monrepos Archaeological Research Centre.
While these decorated stones appear to be isolated occurrences rather than part of a widespread tradition, their shared characteristics suggest deliberate, predetermined artistic expression. This indicates that abstract thinking and symbolic behavior may have emerged earlier and more gradually than previously believed.
The findings challenge long-held assumptions about when humans developed the capacity for abstract thought and artistic expression. Previously, many researchers believed such capabilities emerged much later in human evolution and were exclusively associated with modern humans.
The research team’s innovative use of 3D scanning technology allowed them to distinguish between practical tool marks and intentional designs with unprecedented precision. This new methodology opens up possibilities for reexamining other ancient artifacts and potentially uncovering more evidence of early human artistic expression.