Ancient Ice Age Bird Carvings in Germany Reveal Early Human Artistry

In a recent Coffee Break column on Naked Capitalism, the author highlights a remarkable archaeological discovery in Germany: 40,000-year-old bird carvings that provide insights into how ice age humans thrived. The site is being meticulously excavated a few centimeters at a time, yielding artifacts that are described as breathtaking and that offer a direct glimpse into the world as seen by ancient artists. The author reflects on the modern tendency to underestimate our predecessors, noting that these carvings demonstrate a sophisticated sensibility that we would do well to emulate. The column also touches on other topics, including the White House's new science policy prioritizing AI research over traditional university funding, the legacy of Dr. Anthony Fauci amid political attacks, the ongoing threat of polio resurgence, and a new biography of Albert Sabin. However, the central art-related focus is the ancient bird carvings, which underscore the enduring power of art to connect us with our deep past.