Could Neanderthals possess the ability to imagine, reinterpret, and even create art? A groundbreaking archaeological find in Spain may provide compelling evidence to support this idea. During a recent press conference held in Segovia, researchers unveiled what they proclaimed to be the oldest known complete human fingerprint ever discovered—unmistakably identified as belonging to a young male Neanderthal.
The fingerprint, marked in red pigment, was discovered in July 2022 at the San Lázaro rock shelter, located near Segovia. This significant artifact was imprinted on a granite pebble affectionately named Perico by the research team. The stone garnered attention not only for its ochre markings—an ancient clay-based pigment frequently used by Neanderthals—but also for its natural grooves that strikingly resembled a human face. This phenomenon, known as pareidolia, made the find even more intriguing.
What was particularly astonishing was that where the nose should have been on the stone, a perfect fingerprint had been left behind. Geologist Andrés Díaz-Herrero, who participated in the study, expressed his amazement at the discovery. The findings, published in the journal Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, suggest that the stone dates back approximately 43,000 years.
The research team employed an array of advanced scientific techniques, including scanning electron microscopy, 3D imaging, and multispectral analysis, to confirm that the red pigment was indeed ochre. This pigment has been historically utilized by Neanderthals to decorate various objects and even their own bodies. Fingerprint analysis, conducted by Spain’s national police forensic division, identified the print as coming from the right index finger of a young adult male, aged between 18 and 25 years.
Researchers propose that the choice of stone and the intentional application of pigment to highlight a specific feature point to the presence of symbolic thinking and cognitive complexity among Neanderthals. The study authors noted, “Three fundamental cognitive processes are involved in creating art: the mental conception of an image, deliberate communication, and the attribution of meaning.” This perspective challenges the traditional view of Neanderthals solely as survival-focused beings.
However, not all experts are convinced by the findings. Roberto Ontañón, the director of the Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology of Cantabria, commended the quality of the study but questioned its interpretation. He remarked that the symbolic value assigned to the fingerprint seems implausible, suggesting that it might instead reflect a viewer's reaction to a random pattern rather than a deliberate act by an “artist.”
Additionally, Javier Baena, an archaeologist at the Autonomous University of Madrid, echoed this skepticism. He pointed out the complexities involved when attempting to label the discovery as an unparalleled artifact, stating, “The problem arises when one wants to dress it with a character of unicum (the oldest, the most singular) and the argument is forced in support of a purpose that strays from the strictly scientific.”
Despite the ongoing debate among experts, this discovery contributes to a growing body of evidence that portrays Neanderthals as a sophisticated human group capable of more than mere survival. They may have engaged in thought, symbolism, and even the creation of art. The pebble, named Perico in honor of Spanish cyclist Pedro Delgado—winner of the 1988 Tour de France—continues to attract interest and provoke discussion about the cognitive abilities of our ancient relatives.
