Verzierter Riesenhirsch-Knochen aus der Einhornhöhle

The decorated Giant Deer bone measures six centimeters in length and features six distinct angular line patterns carved on one side of its surface.

Discovered in 2020, this carved bone from the Unicorn Cave in Harz dates back 51,000 years, establishing it as the oldest decorated object found in Northern Germany.

The intentional selection of Giant Deer bone and the creation of geometric patterns demonstrates that Neanderthals possessed cognitive abilities for artistic expression.

Researchers determined through experiments that the bone required cooking before the pattern could be carved, taking approximately 90 minutes to complete the engraving process.

This archaeological find predates other European Paleolithic art pieces by 10,000 years and indicates early human abilities to create symbolic representations.

Location: Göttingen district

Made from material: bone

GPS coordinates: 51.63510,10.40397

Latest update: March 6, 2025 20:54