Exploring Ancient Art and Communication

Paleoanthropologist Genevieve von Petzinger discusses her exploration of prehistoric caves, particularly a site in the Aragon region of Spain. In these caves, ancient inhabitants left behind numerous handprints, some remarkably small, which suggest the deliberate involvement of children in this artistic expression. Von Petzinger emphasizes that the act of creating such art went beyond survival needs, pointing out that early humans invested considerable effort in preserving their identity and culture. This leads to a profound question: What drove these ancestors to express themselves through art when basic needs for shelter and food were already met?