Ivory figurines from Geißenklösterle Cave (Photo courtesy of Universitaet Tübingen)
New research suggests that over 40,000 years ago early modern humans in the Swabian Jura of southwestern Germany were utilizing mammoth ivory and bird bone to create personal ornaments, figurines, and musical instruments. The Aurignacian site is located in Geißenklösterle Cave and has been systematically studied since the 1970′s. Researchers at Oxford and Tübingen say their newest radiocarbon dates from bones (with human markings found in the same archaeological level as the art objects) show results of 42,000-43,000 years old. This makes the oldest art objects known worldwide even older than previously believed! What a great example of how art has been used to express daily activities since ancient times, even by our early human ancestors.
Ancient jewelry from the Geißenklösterle Cave (Photo courtesy of Universitaet Tübingen)
Prehistoric flute made of bone from the Geißenklösterle Cave (Photo courtesy of Universitaet Tübingen)
Geißenklösterle Cave (Photo courtesy of heritagedaily.com)
Check out this article from heritagedaily.com for more info!
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