An Upper Palaeolithic Proto-writing System and Phenological Calendar

In at least 400 European caves such as Lascaux, Chauvet and Altamira, Upper Palaeolithic Homo sapiens groups drew, painted engraved non-figurative signs from ~42,000 bp figurative images (notably animals) 37,000 . Since their discovery ~150 years ago, the purpose or meaning of has eluded researchers. Despite this, specialists assume that they were notational in some way. Using a database spanning Palaeolithic, we suggest how three most frequently occurring signs—the line < | > , dot <•>, <Y>—functioned units communication. We demonstrate when found close association with animals <•> constitute numbers denoting months, form constituent parts local phenological/meteorological calendar beginning spring recording time this point lunar months. also <Y> sign, one art, <To Give Birth>. The position within sequence marks denotes month parturition, an ordinal representation number contrast to cardinal used tallies. Our data indicate system associating information was record convey seasonal behavioural about specific prey taxa geographical regions concern. way which pairing animal subjects constituted complete unit meaning—a combined its subject—that provides us insight into what set means. It gives our first reading communication, known writing history