Finger Fluting in Prehistoric Caves: A Critical Analysis of the Evidence for Children, Sexing and Tracing of Individuals

Journal of Archaeological Method and Theory, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 31(3), P. 1522 - 1542

Published: April 4, 2024

Abstract Finger flutings are channels drawn in soft sediments covering walls, floors and ceilings of some limestone caves Europe Australia cases date as far back 50,000 years ago. Initial research focused on why they were made, but more recently, part a growing interest the individual past, researchers began asking questions about who made them. This shift direction has led to claims that by measuring width with three middle fingers either hand, archaeologists can infer ordinal age, sex individuality ‘fluter’. These rest single dataset created 2006. In this paper, we undertake first critical analysis its concomitant methodologies. We argue sample size, uneven distribution age within sample, non-standardised medium, human variability, lack comparability between an experimental context real cave environments assumptions demographic modelling effectively negate all previous claims. To sum, find no substantial evidence for tracing be revealed finger described Sharpe Van Gelder (Antiquity 80: 937-947, 2006a; Cambridge Archaeological Journal 16: 281–95, 2006b; Rock Art Research 23: 179–98, 2006c). As case study, discuss Koonalda Cave southern Australia. largest most intact display world is also cultural landscape maintained curated Mirning people.

Language: Английский

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A Data-Driven Paradigm Shift for the Middle-to-Upper Palaeolithic Transition and the Neandertal Debate

Quaternary Environments and Humans, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 2(6), P. 100037 - 100037

Published: Nov. 6, 2024

Language: Английский

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An empirical study on the variability of luminescence ages for coeval sediment samples

Radiation Measurements, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 107401 - 107401

Published: Feb. 1, 2025

Language: Английский

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Dialectical Evolutionism and Historical Materialism: Placing Human Societies, and Cultures, in the Broader Context of Natural History

International Journal of Philosophy, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 13(1), P. 12 - 23

Published: Feb. 17, 2025

Present day humans are the result of a continuous evolutionary process, which is still underway (although imperceptibly since last wave Out Africa migrations). Our physical traits, and both our “emotional” “rational” mental features co-evolved, dialectically interacting with each other, outer social-cultural environment. In fact, H. sapiens genetically preadapted to interact material cultural contexts it exposed to, that on other hand were, are, increasingly created by mankind itself. Also, species “species sorting” mechanism, among number different, though closely related, hominid hominin genera, species, subspecies. At time being, only surviving, very homogeneous, genus Homo. There were blurred boundaries, however, between related especially neanderthal denisova. Furthermore, we all evolved, physically mentally, from common ancestor genera Australopithecus, Paranthropus, etc. Due profound biological roots, evolved individual collective mind plasticity, social complexity keep in an inextricable tangle. The point where Marxian historical dialectics grafts on, merges with, Darwinian roughly coincides beginning Holocene. there no apparent solution continuity timeframe 10-12,000 years, previous period as, once reached stage extended consciousness, material/social/cultural niches plasticity-driven adaptations interacted according principles materialism.

Language: Английский

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Rising up: digital traces and performative Indigenous culture in Australian rock art

Antiquity, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 1 - 14

Published: Feb. 24, 2025

Indigenous Australian art relies on motifs and figures to visually symbolise a traditional story, myth and/or ritual, encompassing narrated performance. In contrast, digital tracings or ‘finger flutings’ impressed into the soft precipitate covering cave surfaces are not typically considered symbolic expressions. Using Koonalda Cave in southern Australia as case study, authors argue that also operate within performative space, but without their narrator these undulating lines rendered silent. Here, emphasis is placed ritual maintenance spiritual propagation of prized food trade item would then ‘rise up’.

Language: Английский

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The human evolution: A long journey of transformation and adaptation

Elsevier eBooks, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

Language: Английский

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Stratigraphy and geomorphology of Des‐Cubierta Cave (Pinilla del Valle, Madrid, Spain): Geological insights into a Neanderthal symbolic accumulation of large crania

Journal of Quaternary Science, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: May 20, 2025

ABSTRACT Des‐Cubierta Cave, part of the Calvero de la Higuera complex, is situated in intramountainous upper valley Lozoya River within Guadarrama Range. The cave's geological, palaeontological, and archaeological record reveals a complex history sedimentary anthropogenic processes spanning hundreds thousands years, represented 12 lithostratigraphic units. Among these, Unit 3 stands out for its significance, containing evidence Neanderthal activity, including Mousterian lithic tools an unusual assemblage large mammal crania, which suggests symbolic behaviour. Geological data indicate that was deposited during cold periods (MIS 4) through multiple rockfall episodes, implying these practices persisted across generations. geomorphology points to possible entrance via side opening created by erosion southern cave. This study enhances our understanding Cave's geological development long‐term occupations, offering valuable insights into their cultural behaviours.

Language: Английский

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More than a fingerprint on a pebble: A pigment-marked object from San Lázaro rock-shelter in the context of Neanderthal symbolic behavior

Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 17(6)

Published: May 24, 2025

Language: Английский

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Rethinking Neandertals

Annual Review of Anthropology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 52(1), P. 151 - 170

Published: July 17, 2023

In this article, I first provide an overview of the Neandertals by recounting their initial discovery and subsequent interpretation scientists discussing our current understanding temporal geographic span these hominins taxonomic affiliation. then explore what progress we have made in Neandertal lifeways capabilities over past decade light new technologies changing perspectives. process, consider whether advances knowledge qualify as so-called Black Swans, a term used economics to describe events that are rare unpredictable wide-ranging consequences, case for field paleoanthropology. Building on discussion, look at ongoing debates focus extinction study. By way discussion conclusion, take detailed why continue engender great interest, indeed emotion, among general public alike.

Language: Английский

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Drawing in the depths: spatial organization patterns related to Magdalenian cave art

Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 16(7)

Published: June 15, 2024

Abstract The creation of rock art in the deep areas caves was one most unique symbolic activities Magdalenian societies southwestern Europe between 13.5 and 21 thousand years ago. Previous research has suggested that these works were not placed at random but rather their location corresponds to a pre-established structure. However, despite suggestive idea pre-planning decoration endokarst, it is challenging demonstrate relationship different them immediate spatial context due lack common objective criteria. In this study, we have examined iconographic characteristics 500 graphic units nine Cantabrian Pyrenees mountain ranges (southwestern Europe) identify patterns construction based on cave location. We designed workflow includes geomorphological analysis for virtual reconstruction state during Magdalenian, (GU) through geographic information systems (GIS) using Python script, multivariate statistical study parameters figures. This allowed us groups figures: some specifically created be seen, various techniques selecting locations with good visibility, accessibility, or capacity accommodate people, while others sought opposite. There also correlation used caves, perhaps aiming resource economization. These data support existence uses sectors period.

Language: Английский

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