Spanish researchers have unearthed a 43,000-year-old pebble in Segovia bearing what forensic experts confirmed is a complete Neanderthal fingerprint, potentially the oldest ever found. The fingerprint, discovered using advanced imaging techniques, is imprinted within a red ochre dot on the pebble. The researchers believe the pebble, found near a riverbed and deliberately placed in a rock shelter, may be a symbolic object, possibly representing a face, suggesting Neanderthals possessed a capacity for symbolic art and were more sophisticated than previously thought. This discovery pushes the boundaries of our understanding of Neanderthal cognitive abilities.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.