40k-Year-Old Symbols in Caves Worldwide May Be the Earliest Written Language
2 days ago
- #cave art
- #human evolution
- #prehistoric writing
- Earliest writing systems may predate Sumerian cuneiform by thousands of years.
- Paleoanthropologist Genevieve von Petzinger suggests prehistoric symbols were as universal as emoji.
- Symbols like penniforms and claviforms found globally could rewrite the history of writing.
- Von Petzinger cataloged 32 consistent symbols across European caves, dating back 40,000 years.
- These symbols may represent an early form of communication or precursor to writing.
- Debate exists over whether these symbols were abstract communication or tied to animal depictions.
- MIT linguist Cora Lesure theorizes cave art might represent early linguistic expression.
- Symbols found on artifacts like deer teeth suggest widespread use beyond cave walls.
- Some scholars argue these symbols show a fundamental shift in human cognitive skills.
- The article revisits a 2019 post, highlighting ongoing research and debate.