description Blombos Cave Ochre Overview
The Blombos Cave ochre refers to a collection of engraved stones discovered in Blombos Cave, South Africa, dating back to the Middle Stone Age, approximately 77,000 years ago. These pieces of ochre feature deliberate, geometric cross-hatch patterns created by early Homo sapiens. They are considered among the earliest known examples of abstract art and symbolic human thought in the archaeological record. The artifacts are preserved in South African museums and are of primary interest to paleoanthropologists and archaeologists studying human cognitive evolution.
help Blombos Cave Ochre FAQ
How old are the Blombos Cave ochre engravings?
The engraved ochre plaques discovered in Blombos Cave date back approximately 77,000 years. This makes them some of the absolute earliest known evidence of abstract human thought in the archaeological record.
Where is Blombos Cave located?
Blombos Cave is a famous archaeological site located along the coast of South Africa, near the town of Still Bay. Excavations there have radically changed our understanding of early modern human behavior.
What do the Blombos Cave ochre engravings look like?
The stones feature intentional, geometric cross-hatch patterns that were deliberately carved into the silty stone. Because they do not depict an animal or person, scientists believe these carvings represent an early form of symbolic art.
What other artifacts have been found at Blombos Cave?
Alongside the engraved ochre, archaeologists have found ancient marine shell beads that were likely used as personal jewelry. The site has also yielded finely crafted bone tools that demonstrate advanced early human craftsmanship.
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