Lorraine Williamson
The Neanderthal fingerprint discovery in Spain, dating back over 43,000 years, was made at an archaeological site in inland Segovia. Believed to be the oldest known human fingerprint in Europe, the find offers new insight into the behaviour and cognitive abilities of early humans.
The print, left on a granite stone in Abrigo de San Lázaro, Segovia, is now considered the oldest human fingerprint ever identified in Europe. Moreover, this discovery provides rare insight into the symbolic and cognitive abilities of Neanderthals.
The Junta de Castilla y León highlighted the significance of the find in a post on X. They stated: “Hallada en el Abrigo de San Lázaro de #Segovia una huella dactilar marcada con pigmento cuya antigüedad revela la capacidad simbólica de los neandertales en la península ibérica. Es la evidencia más completa y antigua de una huella humana en Europa.”
Translated, this confirms the print as the most complete and oldest human fingerprint found on the continent. Furthermore, it underscores Neanderthals’ symbolic capacity in the Iberian Peninsula.
Forensic analysis confirms Neanderthal origin
The discovery was made by a multidisciplinary team from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid and the Universidad de Salamanca. Collaborating with forensic experts from the Spanish police, researchers applied modern fingerprint analysis techniques commonly used in crime investigations.
They confirmed that the print belongs to an adult male Neanderthal. The stone was subsequently nicknamed “Perico” in honour of Pedro Delgado, the Segovia-born cyclist who won the 1988 Tour de France.
Pareidolia and prehistoric expression
The fingerprint was found on a red-stained section of the stone, where its natural contours resemble a human face. This positioning raises questions about intentional placement rather than coincidence. While pareidolia explains why people might see faces in random shapes, the deliberate use of pigment and location suggest early symbolic or artistic expression.
This fits with other archaeological findings that Neanderthals used pigments, created ornaments, and buried their dead, indicating complex behaviours and cognition.
Scientific community reacts with cautious optimism
Though the fingerprint does not conclusively prove symbolic thinking, many researchers see it as strong evidence. Others advise caution, given the challenges in interpreting intent from a single artefact.
Still, the print adds to growing proof that Neanderthals possessed sophisticated social and cultural traits. However, as research continues, “Perico” may become a key piece in understanding Neanderthal life.
A snapshot of humanity’s distant past
The find is not only a milestone for archaeology but also a vivid connection to our prehistoric ancestors. Preserved in stone, the fingerprint bridges over 43,000 years, offering a tangible link to early human history.
Excavations at Abrigo de San Lázaro are ongoing, and researchers hope to uncover more clues about how Neanderthals perceived and interacted with their world.
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