Cave artefacts 40,000 years old may hold clue to origin of written language

Researchers analysed more than 200 Aurignacian-era artefacts from four southwestern German cave sites dated about 43,000–34,000 years ago and found patterned sign sequences with an information density similar to early proto-cuneiform; the marks are not presented as full writing and their meanings remain undeciphered.

A 40,000-year-old figurine called the Adorant and other objects from German caves were re-examined in a new study. The artefacts come from sites linked to the Aurignacian culture and include items made of mammoth ivory, bone and antler. Researchers applied computational analysis to sequences of carved marks such as notches, dots, lines, crosses and star shapes. The team compared the patterns and a measure called information density with early Near Eastern script precursors. Key findings: - The analysis covered more than 200 artefacts from four cave sites in southwestern Germany, dated about 43,000–34,000 years ago and associated with the Aurignacian culture. - The Adorant figurine is made from mammoth ivory and shows a hybrid lion-human figure together with sequences of notches and dots. - Researchers classified marks into sign types (notches, dots, lines, crosses, star shapes) and found selective use across object types; for example, crosses appeared on tools and animal figurines but not on human figurines. - Computational and statistical tests indicate the sign sequences differ from modern writing systems but have an information density similar to early proto-cuneiform from Uruk. - Authors report these patterns are consistent with conventional carving practices transmitted across generations, while the meanings of the signs remain undeciphered. Summary: The study reports that Aurignacian sign sequences show some design features found in written systems and an information density comparable to early proto-cuneiform, which suggests structured symbolic behaviour among early Homo sapiens in Europe. The researchers emphasise they are not claiming these marks constitute full writing and that the signs’ meanings are unknown. Undetermined at this time.