Scientists in Spain have found what may be the oldest known human fingerprint, and it’s around 43,000 years old. This print is believed to have been made by a Neanderthal, our closest extinct human relative. The mark was left on a rock during the prehistoric era, showing that Neanderthals were likely capable of making symbolic art much earlier than once believed.

The fingerprint was found on a face-shaped rock in Spain. On it is a red ocher dot, which scientists say might have been meant to represent a nose. If true, this dot could be one of the earliest examples of symbolic artwork ever found in Europe.

The rock’s shape naturally resembles a human face, and the red mark gives it a more detailed look, like early humans were trying to add features to it.

Neanderthals lived in Europe for thousands of years before they disappeared around 40,000 years ago. For a long time, many people believed they were not very advanced. But discoveries like this one suggest otherwise.

The fingerprint shows that Neanderthals might have been capable of abstract thinking and creativity. In other words, they may have been artists, not just survival-focused hunters.

Experts believe the fingerprint is a major find in understanding early human behavior. It’s not just about the fingerprint itself, it’s what it represents. A Neanderthal leaving a mark in red pigment on a rock could mean they were trying to express something, like art or emotion.

This idea challenges old views that Neanderthals weren’t able to make symbolic or creative works.

You might also be interested in - Hyderabad startup hires golden retriever as chief happiness officer