40,000-year-old proto-writing discovered on Ice Age artefacts

40,000-year-old proto-writing discovered on Ice Age artefacts. Markings on Aurignacian artefacts have statistical complexity comparable to protocuneform This is the first comparative statistical study confirming proto-writing The signs likely recorded numerical information such as tally marks

New study confirms proto-writing on Aurignacian artefacts! Markings match protocuneiform in statistical complexity - first comparative evidence. Signs likely recorded information, predating protocuneiform by thousands of years. Figurines AND tools were among marked objects, with signs preferentially applied to figurines for higher information density. ✍️

Key Facts

• Markings on Aurignacian artefacts have statistical complexity comparable to protocuneform
• This is the first comparative statistical study confirming proto-writing
• The signs likely recorded numerical information such as tally marks
• Objects with markings were primarily ivory figurines rather than tools
• The notation system predates protocuneform by thousands of years
• Study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Source: NEW | 40,000-Year-Old "Proto-Writing" Discovered on Ice Age Artefacts by Ancient Architects