According to recent research published in PLOS ONE, archaeologists have discovered 15,800-year-old engravings at the Gönnersdorf site in Germany that may represent the earliest known depictions of fishing in European prehistory, offering new insights into Ice Age hunting and gathering practices.
Gönnersdorf, located on the banks of the Rhine, is one of Europe's most significant Ice Age sites, renowned for its rich artistic treasures12. The site has yielded hundreds of engraved schist plaquettes depicting a diverse array of subjects:
Prey animals crucial for survival, including wild horses, woolly rhinos, reindeer, and mammoths12
Highly stylized female figures that have made the site world-famous12
Newly discovered intricate engravings of fish, often overlaid with grid-like patterns interpreted as nets or traps13
These artworks, dating back 15,800 years, not only showcase the artistic skills of Late Upper Paleolithic hunter-gatherers but also provide valuable insights into their daily lives, hunting practices, and symbolic expressions3. The recent discovery of fishing-related imagery at Gönnersdorf highlights both the practical importance of these techniques for survival and their cultural significance within Ice Age societies13.
Ice Age art was rich in symbolism, extending beyond mere representation to convey complex ideas and cultural practices. Researchers have identified 32 recurring geometric signs across European cave sites, including dots, asterisks, spirals, and negative handprints, which outnumber representational images by at least two to one1. These symbols may have been part of an early proto-writing system, with some potentially originating in Africa and spreading as humans migrated1.
The newly discovered engravings at Gönnersdorf, depicting fish caught in nets, suggest that fishing held both practical and symbolic significance for Ice Age societies23. This integration of fishing imagery into artistic expression expands our understanding of Paleolithic symbolism and social practices2. Additionally, some researchers propose that certain Ice Age artworks may have served as ancient zodiac maps, indicating a sophisticated knowledge of astronomy as far back as 40,000 years ago4. These findings highlight the complex cognitive abilities and rich symbolic world of our Ice Age ancestors.
Advanced imaging techniques have revolutionized the study of ancient artifacts, allowing archaeologists to uncover hidden details and gain new insights into prehistoric art and practices. Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) played a crucial role in revealing the intricate engravings of fish and grid-like patterns on the Gönnersdorf plaquettes12. This technology enables researchers to manipulate light and shadow digitally, exposing subtle details invisible under normal lighting conditions1.
Other cutting-edge methods employed in archaeological research include:
Computed tomography (CT) scans for 3D visualization of internal structures34
Multi-spectral and hyperspectral imaging to differentiate pigments and reveal hidden details5
Optical profilometry for resolving fine engraved details5
These advanced techniques not only enhance the visibility of ancient artwork but also provide valuable data on manufacturing methods, conservation status, and even help in creating 3D replicas for further study and preservation37.