New studies have demonstrated that Neanderthals were likely drawing with ochre crayons, coloring surfaces with long, deliberate strokes. This finding raises further implications about their participation in symbolic activities. This research was led by Francesco d’Errico of the University of Bordeaux, France. They analyzed 16 chunks of ochre found at Neanderthal sites in Crimea and Ukraine, dating to as long ago as 70,000 years.
Of particular significance was the discovery of 5 ochre fragments, identified by SEM analysis. Included was a notable work from the Micoquian Age, roughly 130,000 to 33,000 years ago. This specific yellow ochre was meticulously scraped into a crayon-like shape, suggesting that Neanderthals possessed the skills necessary for creating tools with purpose. The researchers found microscopic evidence of repeated sharpening and grinding on this specimen. This new evidence further demonstrates its repeated use.
The recent discoveries turn on its head the long-held stereotype of Neanderthals as brutish, cavemen. More than copying modern humans, what they suggest is that these archaic early humans had analogous social and cultural practices to those of contemporary Homo sapiens. Ancient peoples’ use of ochre, an iron-rich mineral pigment, varied across continents and as a color pigment in decoration. Such centrality suggests their importance to everyday life within prehistoric societies.
The research showed that impressive changes occurred on many ochre pieces. One piece showed engraved, polished surfaces with clear break lines, suggesting its use as a mark-making tool. Other works showed deep scratching, gouging and brief randomly angled streaks on their polished facets.
Among the rest of the pieces, ZSKV-05 boasted a smooth surface etched with long, somewhat curved, deep, subparallel cuts. ZSKV-06 showed extensive abrasive scraping patterns parallel to the object’s primary axis. These incised impressions were later mostly removed by diagonal scratches from surface grinding.
“The deliberate shaping and reuse of crayons, the engraved motifs, and the evidence for curated tools collectively support the conclusion that at least some ochre materials were involved in symbolic activities,” said Francesco d’Errico and his team.
Taken together, these finds highlight the sophistication of Neanderthal behavior and their ability to think symbolically. By using ochre crayons to create symbolic and/or representational art, they are using a complex cultural behavior we have, until recently, ascribed to our own species alone.