News Archaeology

Engraved pigments point to ancient symbolic tradition

Incisions on ochre from a South African cave suggest modern human behavior emerged around 100,000 years ago

By Bruce Bower

- More than 2 years ago

Scientists excavating a Stone Age cave on South Africa’s southern coast have followed a trail of engraved pigments to what they suspect are the ancient roots of modern human behavior.

LINE DESIGNS Geometric patterns incised on pieces of ancient pigment, such as these 100,000-year-old finds, may reveal the surprisingly ancient origins of modern human behavior.