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For decades, experts believed that the urge to create art was a defining trait separating humans from their less advanced hominid relatives. However, recent findings indicate that symbolic thought and artistic creativity were not exclusive to Homo sapiens. These puzzling instances of early art are reshaping our understanding of human ancestry and challenging us to reconsider what truly defines humanity.
10. Trinil Shell Engravings – 500,000 Years Ago
Zig-zag patterns etched onto a shell found in Trinil, Eastern Java, could represent the earliest known form of art. These engravings, dating back 500,000 years, are thought to have been created by Homo erectus—the common ancestor of both Neanderthals and modern humans.
Unearthed in 1890 by Eugene DuBois, the freshwater mussel shell was initially stored alongside skeletal remains. More than a century later, a biologist researching Homo erectus’s interaction with marine resources recognized its importance. Detailed analysis confirmed that the patterns were deliberately made using a sharp tool, possibly a shark tooth. The engravings were crafted on a fresh shell, with the designs appearing as striking white lines against a dark background. Researchers have dismissed natural causes like weathering or animal activity, concluding that Homo erectus intentionally created these markings.
9. Stone Circles in Bruniquel Cave – 176,000 Years Ago
In 1990, two circular stone formations were uncovered in the dark depths of France’s Bruniquel Cave. These structures, dating back 176,000 years, are the oldest accurately dated constructions in the world. Created 45,000 years before modern humans arrived in Europe, the rings were the work of Neanderthals.
The rings consist of hundreds of stalagmites, carefully broken from the cave floor, trimmed to uniform lengths, and arranged in concentric oval shapes. Their location deep within the cave hints at a possible ritualistic purpose. These formations demonstrate a profound understanding of the cave environment, showcasing the use of consistent lighting and advanced abstract thought.
8. Krapina’s Eagle Talons – 130,000 Years Ago
Eagle talons unearthed in Krapina, Croatia, suggest that Neanderthals had a sophisticated sense of style long before modern humans arrived in Europe. Researchers believe these white-tailed eagle claws were used as jewelry, possibly fashioned into bracelets or necklaces. The talons show signs of polishing, likely from being wrapped in fabric, and exhibit wear patterns that extend beyond the natural lifespan of an eagle.
The talons were first found a century ago alongside a large collection of Neanderthal bones, but their significance as jewelry was only recently recognized. Dating back to a time before modern human influence, these artifacts indicate that Neanderthals used abstract thinking to create personal adornments. Experts theorize that the talons were obtained from live birds, highlighting the advanced hunting skills required to capture eagles.
7. Bilzingsleben Elephant Tibia – 400,000 Years Ago
In 1969, at the Early Paleolithic site of Bilzingsleben, Germany, archaeologists uncovered the earliest evidence of art predating Homo sapiens. Engravings on a bone from an extinct forest elephant were dated to 400,000 years ago, predating modern human art by hundreds of millennia. Experts attribute these carvings to Homo erectus.
The tibia fragment features two sets of parallel lines, meticulously incised and evenly spaced, likely created with a single tool in one session. Comparable markings have been found on a forest elephant vertebra at Stranska Skala, a site in the Czech Republic. The purpose of these lines remains a mystery, with theories ranging from proto-writing and maps to calendar notations. The tibia has also been studied for insights into mathematical and astronomical knowledge among pre-human species.
6. La Ferrassie Child’s Burial – 60,000 Years Ago
In 1933, within the La Ferrassie Neanderthal cave complex in southwestern France, researchers uncovered Europe’s oldest rock art. At Burial Site #6, they found a limestone slab covering a child’s grave, revealing not only cultural sophistication but also early evidence of artistic expression among pre-human species.
The underside of the burial slab was adorned with cupules, an early form of rock art. The slab featured two large depressions and eight pairs of smaller hollows. Cupules are a global phenomenon, appearing across all three periods of the Stone Age.
Scholars are divided on whether the La Ferrassie burials resulted from natural processes like “slumping” or were deliberate interments. If intentional, these would rank among the oldest known burials in history.
5. Red Pigment at Maastricht Belvedere – 250,000 Years Ago
During the 1980s, anthropologists investigating Maastricht Belvedere cave in the Netherlands found traces of a red substance in the soil. Identified as hematite, an iron oxide used as a pigment by ancient peoples, the material was determined to have been spilled in liquid form. This discovery provided evidence that Neanderthals utilized red pigments 250,000 years ago, far earlier than previously believed.
The pigment's origin was located over 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the cave, requiring transportation by its inhabitants. Many experts believe these pigments were utilized for cave paintings and body adornment, a tradition still practiced by modern hunter-gatherer societies. However, some skeptics argue that the material might have served as a preservative, medicinal substance, insect repellent, or hide-softening agent.
4. Feathers from Fumane Cave – 44,000 Years Ago
In Fumane Cave, near Verona in Northern Italy, anthropologists uncovered a groundbreaking discovery that reshaped our understanding of pre-human art. Among Neanderthal remains, they found evidence that feathers were used for decorative and ornamental purposes.
Analysis of 660 bird bones from 22 species revealed signs of scraping and cutting near the flight feathers. Since these feathers hold no nutritional value and many of the species—such as vultures, falcons, and eagles—are unsuitable for food, utilitarian purposes were ruled out. Feathered arrows had not yet been invented, making it likely that the feathers were used as jewelry or personal decorations. While it remains unclear whether these were everyday items or reserved for rituals, it is evident that Neanderthals placed importance on their appearance.
3. Painted Shell Necklaces – 50,000 Years Ago
In Spain, researchers discovered a collection of artifacts believed to be Neanderthal jewelry. These findings, which include shells and bones, show signs of craftsmanship dating back over 10,000 years before modern humans arrived in Europe. Many of the shells were pierced, likely for use in necklaces. While accidental perforation is possible, traces of pigment on the shells strongly suggest intentional decoration.
Comparable artifacts have been found in Africa, dating as far back as 70,000–100,000 years ago. However, similar decorative items from this period are notably absent in Europe, which was then inhabited by Neanderthals. Long considered incapable of symbolic thought, these painted shells challenge that assumption, offering a new perspective on Neanderthal creativity.
2. Gorham’s Cave Engravings – 40,000 Years Ago
In 2012, archaeologists uncovered an engraving deep within Gorham’s Cave on Gibraltar’s southeastern face, attributed to Neanderthals. The geometric design, resembling a hash tag, is estimated to be 40,000 years old. Modern humans did not inhabit the cave until 10,000 years later, well after Neanderthals had left.
Researchers conducted experiments to recreate the design, finding that 200–300 deliberate strokes were needed to etch similar marks into the hard dolomite rock. This confirms the intentional nature of the engraving and its origins in abstract thought. While the exact meaning remains unclear, the design’s location at a 90-degree shift in the cave’s orientation has led to theories that it could represent a map or territorial marker.
1. Venus of Tan-Tan – 400,000 Years Ago
In 1999, anthropologists discovered an artifact on the banks of the River Draa near Tan-Tan, Morocco, which may be the earliest known depiction of the human form. Dubbed the Venus of Tan-Tan, this figure dates back to the Middle Acheulian period. Given its age, it could not have been created by Homo sapiens or even Neanderthals, but rather by Homo erectus.
The Venus of Tan-Tan’s status as a sculpture is debated. Traces of a paint-like substance and grooves on its surface suggest human modification. Critics argue that its shape may result from natural weathering. However, the discovery of the Venus of Berekhat Ram—a similarly dated and shaped artifact—hints at the intriguing possibility of a pre-human tradition of figurine creation.
+ Further Reading
Throughout ancient history, there are countless examples of remarkable and enigmatic art. Explore more fascinating lists on this topic:
10 Of The Oldest Pieces Of Art Ever Created Top 10 Greatest Art Crimes 10 Unsolved Mysteries That Confound The Art World 10 Great Works Of Art With Incredible Secret Meanings
