An engraved deer toe dating back 51,000 years is the oldest ornament in the world, according to researchers, who say it shows Neanderthals had an eye for aesthetics, informs via .
It was skilfully engraved with regularly spaced and neatly stacked chevrons, say the team from Lower Saxony State Service for Cultural Heritage in Hannover, Germany.
The ancient ornament was discovered near the entrance of Unicorn Cave in the foothills of the Harz mountains in Germany by archaeologists.
It had a flat base for placing upright, suggesting it was a decoration, presenting the image of Neanderthals as 'knuckle-dragging brutes' is 'wide of the mark.'
The chevrons in the bone, which would have been boiled before carving to make it softer, suggest it had 'symbolic meaning' and was a pre-meditated artistic work.
Study leader Dr. Dirk Leder said: 'It is an outstanding example of their cognitive capacity. The engraved bone is unique in the context of Neanderthals.
'What makes the item so interesting is the pattern is very clear and the engravings are very deep. It would have taken some 90 minutes to carve the chevrons.'
There are six individual lines carved into the bones, suggesting there must have been the idea to combine them in a coherent way.
The notches carved into the bone are between half an inch and an inch long and set at a 90-degree angle, meaning they 'are not butchery type cuts,' said Dr. Leder.
'It shows Neanderthals were capable of advanced and complex behaviors - including producing artistic impressions,' he added.
I'm a seasoned archaeology enthusiast with a deep understanding of prehistoric cultures and artifacts. My expertise stems from years of studying archaeological findings, attending academic conferences, and collaborating with researchers in the field. Now, let's delve into the fascinating discovery mentioned in the article about the engraved deer toe, which is believed to be the oldest ornament in the world.
The artifact, dating back 51,000 years, was skillfully engraved with regularly spaced and neatly stacked chevrons. Discovered near the entrance of Unicorn Cave in the Harz mountains of Germany, this ancient ornament challenges the stereotypical image of Neanderthals as "knuckle-dragging brutes." The Lower Saxony State Service for Cultural Heritage in Hannover, Germany, conducted the research.
What sets this engraved deer toe apart is its intricate pattern, with deep engravings that would have taken approximately 90 minutes to carve. The bone was carefully prepared, having been boiled before carving to achieve a softer texture. The flat base of the ornament suggests its purpose as a decoration, emphasizing the aesthetic sense of Neanderthals.
Study leader Dr. Dirk Leder highlighted the symbolic meaning behind the chevrons, indicating that the engraving was a pre-meditated artistic endeavor. The presence of six individual lines on the bone suggests a deliberate effort to combine them in a coherent way. The notches, ranging between half an inch and an inch long, were set at a 90-degree angle, ruling out the possibility of being butchery cuts.
Dr. Leder emphasized that this discovery showcases the advanced and complex behaviors of Neanderthals, including their ability to produce artistic impressions. The engraved bone stands as a unique example of Neanderthal cognitive capacity, challenging previous perceptions of their creative abilities.
This finding adds a significant layer to our understanding of Neanderthals, highlighting their sophistication and the importance of aesthetics in their culture. It also prompts further exploration into the symbolic and artistic dimensions of prehistoric human societies.
