Neanderthal Pigment in Ardales Cave Predates Homo Sapiens in Europe
A study published in PNAS by an international team led by the University of Barcelona has determined that red ochre pigment on stalactites in the Ardales Cave in Andalusia was applied by Neanderthals. The pigment was analyzed using electron microscopy and X-rays, confirming it is not natural to the cave. The marks, applied by splashing or blowing, are not considered cave paintings but symbolic site marking. The coloration occurred in at least two phases: before 65,500 years ago and between 45,300 and 48,700 years ago, more than 20,000 years before Homo sapiens inhabited Europe. This research advances the debate on the origin of the paintings.
Key facts
- Red ochre pigment in Ardales Cave was applied by Neanderthals.
- Study published in PNAS by University of Barcelona-led international team.
- Pigment analyzed with electron microscopy and X-rays.
- Pigment is not natural to the cave; applied by splashing or blowing.
- Not considered cave paintings but symbolic site marking.
- Coloration occurred in two phases: before 65,500 years ago and between 45,300 and 48,700 years ago.
- Pigment application predates Homo sapiens in Europe by over 20,000 years.
- Research addresses long-standing archaeological debate on painting origins.
Entities
Institutions
- University of Barcelona
- Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS)
Locations
- Ardales Cave
- Andalusia
- Spain