Verzierter Riesenhirsch-Knochen aus der Einhornhöhle

The decorated Giant Deer bone from Unicorn Cave is approximately 6 centimeters long with six distinct angular line patterns on one side. The surface was carefully worked with these geometric motifs.

The artifact dates back approximately 51,000 years and was discovered in 2020. The find makes it the oldest known decorated object in Northern Germany.

The bone was deliberately chosen and decorated with geometric patterns, showing that Neanderthals possessed artistic abilities. These patterns were not random but part of an intentional creative effort.

The bone was cooked before carving, which made the material workable. The engraving took approximately 90 minutes and shows high craftsmanship skill.

The object is significantly older than any comparable known artwork from Europe and was created long before more famous prehistoric art forms. This timespan shows how early symbolic thinking emerged.

Location: Göttingen district

Made from material: bone

GPS coordinates: 51.63510,10.40397

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:01