A team of Spanish researchers has made a groundbreaking discovery in the San Lázaro rock shelter in Segovia, central Spain. The team uncovered an ancient pebble with a human fingerprint on record, dating back tens of thousands of years.
The fingerprint, which was confirmed using forensic techniques and multispectral analysis, is believed to be one of the oldest complete hominin fingerprints ever found. The researchers also discovered that the fingerprint was accompanied by a peculiar red dot, which contained ocher, a clay pigment.
The team, led by Professor María de Andrés Herrero, used statistical modeling to show that the mark on the pebble was intentionally placed and not random. This suggests that the Neanderthals who created the marking had a symbolic purpose in mind.
The discovery adds to a growing body of evidence that challenges the common perception of Neanderthals as being less intelligent or culturally advanced than modern humans. The finding shows that Neanderthals were capable of creating complex symbolic art, using pigments to leave marks on objects.
Experts believe that the pebble marking could be one of the oldest visual symbols ever discovered, with a possible face-like shape and a red dot representing a nose. The discovery is significant because it demonstrates how our understanding of Neanderthals is evolving, with new evidence showing that they were capable of recognizing faces and using symbolic language.
The research team plans to continue their search for more “invisible artifacts” to help interpret the past, using collaboration between archaeology and forensic technologies to uncover new secrets.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/05/29/science/neanderthal-complete-fingerprint-stone-art-scli-intl