rock art
Europe

Hand stencil, Maltravieso Cave

Unknown (Homo neanderthalensis)

When it was made
at least 64,800 years ago

How do we know this date?

We know it is at least this old — possibly older. (minimum date; disputed (Neanderthal) authorship)

Certainty: low Source: Nature / U-Th dating

A negative hand stencil made with pigment. Uranium–thorium dating suggests it was created before Homo sapiens arrived in Europe.

Facts

Culture
Neanderthals
Place of origin
Cáceres, Spain
Where it is today
in situ (Maltravieso Cave)
Institution
in situ
Type
Rock art
Material
Pigment on rock wall
Movement / style
Paleolithic art
View on the timeline

See also