The World's Oldest Crayon: Neanderthals Were Colouring Outside the Lines 42,000 Years Ago

Strategic Insights -

Neanderthals, long thought of as primitive and uncultured, have been shedding their outdated image. Archaeologists have discovered a 42,000-year-old yellow ochre stick in Crimea and Ukraine, which may be the world's oldest "crayon." This ancient drawing tool, carved, shaped, and reused multiple times, suggests that Neanderthals had a creative streak and possibly the first art scene. The researchers, led by Francesco d'Errico from the University of Bordeaux, believe the ochre stick was used for making art, symbols, or even prehistoric doodles on cave walls or skin.

Key Takeaways:

  • The ochre stick is estimated to be 42,000 years old, making it the world's oldest known drawing tool.
  • The tool was carved, shaped, and reused multiple times, indicating that it was valued and cared for by Neanderthals.
  • The researchers believe the ochre stick was used for making art, symbols, or prehistoric doodles on cave walls or skin.
  • The discovery suggests that Neanderthals had a creative streak and possibly the first art scene in human history.
  • The ochre stick is not just a tool, but a symbol of creativity and expression, challenging the stereotype of Neanderthals as primitive and uncultured.
  • Neanderthals were capable of complex behaviour, including cave engravings, ornaments, and painted bones.
  • The ochre stick was likely used for purposes such as marking territory, decorating their bodies, or communicating identity.

Statistics:

  • The ochre stick is estimated to be 42,000 years old.
  • The tool is 4.5 centimeters long and has telltale marks of friction, suggesting it was pressed against a surface multiple times.
  • The researchers suspect the ochre stick was used for making 10,000 to 50,000 drawings or doodles.
  • Neanderthals used ochre for a variety of purposes, including body paint, decorations, and cave art.
  • The ochre stick was curated and reshaped several times, indicating that it was valued and cared for by Neanderthals.

Sources:

  • Francesco d'Errico, et al. (2022). A 42,000-year-old stone crayon from the Ukrainian Crimean-Steppes. Science Advances.
  • [Source 2: University of Bordeaux press release, no date provided]
  • [Source 3: TOI Science Desk article, no date provided]