43,000-year-old carved signs suggest earliest information encoding before writing. Study analyzed 200+ objects adorned with several thousand geometric signs Objects dated to 43,000 to 34,000 years old from the Aurignacian culture Aurignacian culture associated with first modern humans in Central Europe
Analyzing 200+ objects from the Aurignacian culture (43,000-34,000 years old), researchers found geometric signs matching the information density of proto-cuneiform tablets from 3,000 BCE. Using computational modeling and machine learning, they suggest early modern humans in Central Europe developed visual encoding systems tens of thousands of years before writing emerged. The Adorant figurine with 88 notches and mammoth crosshatchings may have helped coordinate hunting, track seasons, and preserve cultural knowledge.
Key Facts
- Study analyzed 200+ objects adorned with several thousand geometric signs
- Objects dated to 43,000 to 34,000 years old from the Aurignacian culture
- Aurignacian culture associated with first modern humans in Central Europe
- Artifacts include the Adonant (human figurine with 88 notches) and woolly mammoth with crosshatchings
- Researchers used computational modeling, statistical analysis, and machine learning
- Signs had similar information density to proto-cuneiform tablets from 3,000 BCE
- Findings suggest humans developed visual encoding systems tens of thousands of years before writing
- Signs may have helped coordinate hunting, track seasonal patterns, and preserve cultural knowledge
Source: Latest #Archaeology Discoveries: March 2026 by Inside Archaeology