The Oldest Artifacts in Africa: A Journey Through Time
Africa, the cradle of human civilization, has been unearthing some of the earliest and most significant artifacts that provide a window into our past. From the bones of early hominins to prehistoric cave paintings, these treasures have helped us understand the origins and evolution of human culture.
The Oldest Human Ancestor in Africa: Lucy
The oldest artifact found in Africa that marks a significant milestone in human history is the bones of the Australopithecus, commonly known as Lucy. These fossils, dating back to approximately 3.85 million years ago, reveal a significant chapter in our evolutionary journey. Lucy’s discovery, as named by the research team, has intrigued scientists and fascinated the public alike. The bones were found in Ethiopia, highlighting the rich archaeological heritage of this African country.
Blombos Cave: A Leap in Artistic Expression
Set against the backdrop of South Africa's stunning coastline, the Blombos Cave stands as a testament to early human creativity and cultural advancement. This archaeological site, located on a limestone cliff near the sea, contains some of the earliest known prehistoric art in Africa. Archeological investigations at Blombos Cave began in 1991 and have since unearthed various fascinating artifacts that shed light on the capabilities of early humans.
Notable among these finds are the prehistoric engravings on pieces of ochre rock, dating back to around 70,000 years ago. These abstract signs, carved with geometric patterns, indicate a sophisticated cognitive ability and cultural expression among the inhabitants of Blombos Cave. Additionally, the discovery of small beads made from Nassarius kraussianus shells adds to the evidence of a thriving cultural practices in Blombos during the Middle Paleolithic era. These beads, dated to around 75,000 BCE, are among the oldest known examples of stone age art in Africa.
Early Modern Human Artistry: Blombos and Beyond
The Blombos engravings are considered among the earliest artworks created by modern humans. However, the site is not the oldest known example of sub-Saharan African art. Other artifacts from India and Morocco predate Blombos by tens of thousands of years. For instance, the Bhimbetka Petroglyphs in Madhya Pradesh, India, are estimated to be between 290,000 and 700,000 years old, slightly older than the Blombos artifacts. The Venus of Berekhat Ram from the Golan Heights and the Venus of Tan-Tan from Morocco also predate the Blombos engravings. These finds suggest that early human populations in different regions were developing similar artistic and cultural expressions during the Middle Paleolithic era.
Other Notable Discoveries at Blombos Cave
Blombos Cave also yielded stone artifacts such as bifacial points, manufactured in styles previously identified only in Europe during the late Ice Age. Other findings include ground and polished animal bone tools, dated to around 80,000 BCE, among the oldest bone tools in Africa. The cave was inhabited during three distinct phases of the Middle Paleolithic period: phase one (140,000-100,000 BCE), phase two (80,000 BCE), and phase three (73,000 BCE).
The Significance of Early Art
The artifacts discovered at Blombos Cave are not just relics of the past; they are gateways to understanding the cognitive and cultural traits of early humans. The abstract engravings and the beads are not just random decorations; they represent a leap in human expression, creativity, and symbolic thinking. This artistic expression suggests a higher level of mental complexity, indicating that the inhabitants of Blombos Cave had developed a sophisticated cultural and symbolic language.
By exploring these early artifacts, we gain insight into the development of human society. The genetic, archaeological, and anthropological evidence all point to a complex interplay of evolutionary and cultural factors that shaped the early modern human civilization. The discovery of these ancient pieces at Blombos Cave and elsewhere in Africa is a testament to the rich and diverse heritage of our continent and our species.
Summary
The Blombos Cave and other archaeological sites in Africa continue to reveal the earliest chapters of human history. From the bones of Lucy, one of our earliest human ancestors, to the abstract engravings and beads found at Blombos Cave, these treasures provide a fascinating glimpse into the development of early human culture. The oldest artifacts found in Africa are not just historical curiosities but are keys to understanding the complex interplay of evolution and culture that shaped human society.
References
Bolombus cave finds at 70.000 yrs old. Home to early prehistoric art. _Cave
Ongoing investigations and discoveries continue to provide deeper insights into the fascinating world of Paleolithic art. For more information, consider exploring other timelines and works of stone age art. _art