February 5, 2025 – A new study led by Dr. Mae Goder-Goldberger (Hebrew University and Ben Gurion University) and Dr. João Marreiros (Monrepos Archaeological Research Centre and Museum for Human Behavioural Evolution, LEIZA, and ICArEHB, University of Algarve), in collaboration with Prof. Erella Hovers (Hebrew University) and Dr. Eduardo Paixão (ICArEHB, University of Algarve), shed new light on the behavioral complexity of Palaeolithic hominins. Published in Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, the research explores the intentionality behind incised stone artifacts, providing compelling evidence of abstract thinking and symbolic behavior during the Middle Palaeolithic period.

Until now, the intentionality of Middle Palaeolithic incised stone artifacts has been broadly accepted, although not well-supported by empirical testing. Many archaeologists viewed these marks as functional, created through tool use or natural wear. There was skepticism about the existence of abstract or symbolic thought in early hominins, with the understanding that symbolic behavior, such as art or abstract expression, emerged much later in human evolution and is specifically associated with modern humans. This study challenges that view, offering evidence of deliberate, symbolic engravings prior to global colonization by modern humans.

The study focuses on artifacts from key Levantine sites, including Manot Cave, Amud Cave, Qafzeh Cave, and the open-air site of Quneitra. Using advanced 3D surface analysis, the researchers examined the geometry and patterns of incisions to distinguish intentional engravings from functional marks. The findings reveal striking differences: Artifacts from Manot, Qafzeh, and Quneitra feature deliberate engravings with geometric patterns that align with the surface topography, underscoring their aesthetic and symbolic intent. In contrast, incisions on artifacts from Amud Cave are shallow, unpatterned, and consistent with a functional use as abraders.

Dr. Mae Goder-Goldberger explains, “Abstract thinking is a cornerstone of human cognitive evolution. The deliberate engravings found on these artifacts highlight the capacity for symbolic expression and suggest a society with advanced conceptual abilities.”

Dr. João Marreiros added, “The methodology we employed not only highlights the intentional nature of these engravings but also provides for the first time a comparative framework for studying similar artifacts, enriching our understanding of Middle Palaeolithic societies.”

While the engraved artifacts from Qafzeh, Quneitra, and Manot are isolated initiatives within their chronological and geographic contexts, the shared traits of the incisions themselves and the similarities in pattern structuring suggest intentional, predetermined actions. These findings deepen our understanding of symbolic behavior and offer crucial insights into the cognitive and cultural development of early hominins.

This research marks a significant step toward understanding the scope of the symbolic behavior of our ancestors, bridging the gap between functional tool use and abstract expression. The paper titled “Incised stone artefacts from the Levantine Middle Palaeolithic and human behavioural complexity” is now available in Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences and can be accessed at here.

Researchers:
Mae Goder‑Goldberger1,2, João Marreiros3,4,5, Eduardo Paixão1,3,5, Erella Hovers1,5,6
Institutions:
1)    Institute of Archaeology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Mt. Scopus, 91905 Jeruslaem, Israel
2)    Departement of Archaeology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, 84105 Beer‑Sheva, Israel
3)    TraCEr, Laboratory for Traceology and Controlled Experiments at MONREPOS Archaeological Research Centre and Museum for Human Behavioural Evolution, The Leibniz-Zentrum fur Archaologie (LEIZA), Schloss Monrepos, 56567 Neuwied, Germany
4)    Institute for Prehistoric and Protohistoric Archaeology, Johannes Gutenberg University, Schonborner Hof, Schillerstrase 11, 55116 Mainz, Germany
5)    ICArEHB, Interdisciplinary Center for Archaeology and Evolution Human Behaviour, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005‑139 Faro, Portugal
6)    Institute of Human Origins, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA