In a study published on May 5, in the journal Archaeological and Ahropological Sciences, this discovery is considered the most complete and oldest human fingerpri degree, which is undoubtedly attributed to Neanderthals. Researchers say the findings show that Neanderthals were able to use pigmes for symbolic purposes.
However, some experts are skeptical about being symbolic. Bruce Hardy from Cenneon Ohio College says that iron oxide with fingerpris is ieionally used, but recognizing its symbolic meaning depends on the observer’s perspective. Rebecca Rag Sikes of Cambridge and Liverpool universities also pois out that this poi may be ierpreted as a “navel” at a differe angle and its exact meaning is unclear.
On the other hand, Paul Potter from the University of Deremam considers this pebbles to be an unparalleled example of Neanderthals of red, indicating their repeated drawing on differe surfaces; But he also emphasizes that it is not clear that this sign is really symbolic or merely a decorative sign. Meanwhile, Hodgson, an archaeologist and psychologist at the cave arts, says the piece has no functional use other than marking and only appeared after adding a red dot.
Researchers conclude that selecting and putting this stone in a rocky shelter, as a “stone -stone” that has been added, is a testame to the ability of Neanderthals to symbolize, imagine, and reflect their ideas on objects.
