Stone Age “Baby Hands” Mystery: Lizard Prints or Human Markings?
Uncovering the Past: Reconstructing Stone Age Evidence
Reconstructing ancient history is a challenging endeavor, especially for events that occurred thousands of years ago. Researchers often rely on physical evidence to piece together the past, leading them to explore various avenues. Anthropologist Emmanuelle Honoré and her team embarked on an unusual journey that involved measuring baby hands in a hospital to shed light on a puzzling discovery.
The Cave of Mysterious Handprints
In 2002, Wadi Sûra II, a rock shelter in the Western Desert of Egypt known as “the cave of the beasts,” was discovered. The sandstone cave is adorned with enigmatic paintings and markings, including numerous outlines of human hands, some of which are at least 6,000 years old. Among these handprints, 13 appeared to be unusually small, suggesting they were made by young children.
Questioning the Origins: Baby Hands or Animal Tracks?
Upon examining the handprints, Honoré questioned whether they were indeed tracings of Stone Age babies. She collaborated with researchers to compare the cave prints with measurements of newborns and pre-term babies. The results revealed that the cave prints were not human.
Enter the Lizards: A Compelling Hypothesis
Honoré then considered other candidates, including monkeys and lizards. After further investigation, lizards emerged as the most likely source of the prints. The team found striking similarities between the cave prints and the handprints of young crocodiles and desert monitor lizards, an animal frequently depicted in other Saharan rock art.
Symbolic Significance: Lizards as Religious or Cultural Symbols
The researchers speculate that the lizard prints may have held symbolic meaning for Stone Age humans. Lizards have been revered in various cultures throughout history, often associated with fertility, protection, and other spiritual concepts. The team suggests that the lizard prints in the cave may have represented important religious or cultural symbols.
Ongoing Research and Intriguing Possibilities
While the team’s findings strongly support the theory that the handprints are lizard prints, definitive proof remains elusive. Honoré acknowledges that further research is necessary to fully unravel the mystery. The identification of reptile handprints in the cave, however, provides new insights into Stone Age art and culture.
Nature and Humans in the Stone Age Worldview
The discovery highlights the interconnectedness between humans and nature in the Stone Age. The cave paintings depict a wide array of animals, suggesting that humans were deeply aware of their surroundings and the creatures that inhabited them. The lizard prints further support this notion, indicating that lizards held a significant place in Stone Age culture.
Unveiling the Past: New Meaning and Fresh Intrigue
The identification of lizard prints in Wadi Sûra II breathes new life into the “cave of the beasts.” It unveils a hidden layer of meaning and intrigue, inviting us to contemplate the beliefs and practices of our ancient ancestors. While the mystery of the handprints may never be fully solved, the research provides valuable insights into a fascinating chapter of human history.