Advanced 3D analysis of Stone Age artifacts shows that our ancient ancestors were building intentional geometric designs as early as 100,000 years ago, challenging previous assumptions about when humans developed abstract thinking and artistic expression.
This pioneering study, published in archaeological and anthropological sciences, examines stone artifacts in several caves in the Levant region, suggesting that some early humans deliberately created patterns rather than just making practical tools.
“Abstract thinking is the cornerstone of human cognitive evolution. The intentional engraving found on these artifacts highlights the ability to symbolic expression and proposes a society with advanced conceptual abilities.
Using complex 3D surface analysis, the researchers examined stone artifacts from multiple archaeological sites such as Manot Cave, Amud Cave, Qafzeh Cave and Quneitra. This analysis shows that there is a clear difference between purely functional markers and intentional art patterns.
Three of the checked artifacts (from Manot, Qafzeh and Quneitra) show carefully planned geometric patterns that are consistent with their surface shape. These engravings exhibit consistent technical and intentional placement, indicating that they were created for non-executive purposes.
Instead, the items found in the Amud cave show distinct characteristics. Their light-colored irregular markings are consistent with their actual use as wear tools, providing an important comparison point for identifying real artwork.
“The approach we adopted not only emphasizes the intentional nature of these prints, but also provides a comparative framework for studying similar artifacts, enriching our understanding of the central mid-Stone Age society,” notes Dr. João Marreiros of the Monrepos Center for Archaeological Research.
Although these ornamental stones appear to be isolated events rather than part of a broad tradition, their common characteristics indicate intentional, pre-determined artistic expression. This suggests that abstract thinking and symbolic behavior may have emerged earlier than previously thought.
These findings challenge long-term assumptions about when people can develop abstract ideas and artistic expression abilities. Previously, many researchers believed that this ability appeared very late in human evolution and was completely related to modern humans.
The innovative use of 3D scanning technology by the research team allowed them to distinguish practical tool markings from intentional designs with unprecedented accuracy. This new approach opens up possibilities for a reexamination of other ancient artifacts and the possibility of discovering more evidence of early human art expression.
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