40,000-Year-Old Pebble Unearths Clues About Neanderthal Symbolism

A recent archaeological discovery in Spain's San Lázaro rock shelter has shed new light on Neanderthal behavior. A pigment-marked pebble, bearing a possible fingerprint, has been dated to between 43,000 and 42,000 years ago. The find, detailed in a recent research paper, suggests Neanderthals may have engaged in symbolic behavior, potentially using the stone as a tool or even a form of art. Researchers used multiple dating techniques, including carbon dating and optically stimulated luminescence, to verify the age of the artifact. The discovery is particularly significant as it comes from a region known as the last refuge of Neanderthals in the Iberian Peninsula, providing valuable insights into their final days. "The way they presented this information is amazing," says Zeke Darwin, a science teacher who presented the findings on TikTok. The discovery underscores the ongoing efforts to understand Neanderthal culture and behavior, challenging previously held assumptions about their capabilities.