Recent research shines a light on Neanderthal culture, revealing their intricate use of color. D’Errico and his team note that for traditional societies, practical uses and symbolic meanings often go hand-in-hand. This suggests that Neanderthals likely attached deep meanings to the ocher powders they used, even if we can only guess what those meanings might have been.
So, what do we know? Evidence shows that Neanderthals used colors to convey significant messages. This could have included identifiers for clans or even personal preferences. For instance, did a particular color denote a leader’s status, or was it simply a favorite of someone like “Grogg”? Details like these remain unknown but intriguing.
D’Errico’s research highlights that color meanings likely varied by region, much like today. For example, in Europe, white is typically associated with weddings, while in China, it signifies mourning. Interestingly, trends in color differ globally. In some parts of Europe, Neanderthals favored black pigments from manganese, while in others, like Crimea, reds and yellows were more common.
This cultural diversity implies that Neanderthals had unique traditions and possibly even trade networks. They were not just primitive beings; they displayed intelligence and creativity comparable to modern humans. This challenges previous assumptions about their capabilities.
Interestingly, a recent survey revealed that over 60% of people believe art and self-expression are crucial for societal development. This underlines a universal human trait, suggesting that the drive to create and communicate through art runs deep in our lineage.
In summary, the evidence points to Neanderthals being much like us—smart, innovative, and culturally rich. The desire to express oneself through visuals is a shared trait in our family tree.
Source: Science Advances, 2025. DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adx4722
