How Spanish cave paintings changed the story of art before modern humans reached Europe
Ancient cave art in Spain, dated over 64,800 years old, suggests Neanderthals, not modern humans, were the first artists. This groundbreaking discovery challenges long-held beliefs about Neanderthals lacking culture and abstract thought. Evidence of shell jewelry and pigment use further supports a complex Neanderthal symbolic life, redefining our understanding of these sophisticated relatives.
Ancient cave art in Spain, dated over 64,800 years old, suggests Neanderthals, not modern humans, were the first artists. This groundbreaking discovery challenges long-held beliefs about Neanderthals lacking culture and abstract thought. Evidence of shell jewelry and pigment use further supports a complex Neanderthal symbolic life, redefining our understanding of these sophisticated relatives.
