The Primordial Palette: Global Reverberations of Symbolic Cognition in Deep Time Art

A global analysis of deep time art reveals shared cognitive underpinnings in human symbolic thought, transcending geographical and temporal barriers. The study synthesizes archaeological evidence from sites like Chauvet, Lascaux, Blombos Cave, Sulawesi, and Bhimbetka with insights from cognitive science and anthropology to identify recurring themes, motifs, and techniques across the Paleolithic to early Holocene epochs. By employing a comparative framework, researchers argue that complex symbolic art reflects universal cognitive architectures, suggesting parallel evolutionary trajectories in abstract thinking worldwide. This work challenges region-specific narratives by highlighting the interconnectedness of early human artistic endeavors, offering a holistic perspective on the origins of cultural diversity and the enduring role of art in shaping human cognition.

Revista, Z., & HISTORY, 10. (2025). The Primordial Palette: Global Reverberations of Symbolic Cognition in Deep Time Art. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.17790843