Engraved Ochre

Engraved ochre refers to red or yellowish pigment made from naturally occurring iron-rich minerals that ancient humans intentionally carved or marked with symbols or patterns. Used around 75,000 years ago, these engravings represent some of the earliest examples of human symbolic behavior and artistic expression. They likely held social, spiritual, or communicative significance, offering insights into early cognitive abilities. These engraved pieces demonstrate that early humans engaged in deliberate decoration beyond basic survival tools, highlighting their capacity for abstract thinking and cultural development.