Oldest Human Fingerprint? Neanderthal Rock Art Found in Spain

WORLD NEWS

By Aniket Chakraborty May 31, 2025 Arrow Image Credit | @Rainmaker1973 | X

Estimated at 43,000 years old, it was made by a Neanderthal — not a modern human.

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Researchers say the red ocher dot was applied as a “nose” on a naturally face-shaped rock.

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This symbolic gesture challenges old beliefs that Neanderthals lacked abstract thinking.

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Forensic analysis revealed the fingerprint had a distinctive whorl, likely from an adult male.

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The pebble was possibly hand-picked from a river and brought to the San Lázaro shelter.

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Experts still debate whether it truly represents a “face” or if meaning is in the eye of the beholder.

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Some suggest it could represent something else entirely — even a navel, not a nose.

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Regardless, it adds to the growing list of non-functional, symbolic Neanderthal artifacts.

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The find pushes us to rethink the cognitive and artistic abilities of our ancient cousins.

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