# 60,000-year-old ostrich eggshell engravings reveal early human cognitive development Researchers discover that geometric engravings on 60,000-year-old ostrich eggshells shed light on the early development of human intelligence. - **Source:** [Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily](https://brifing.si/source/0eef8637-6c5b-4e79-8f5b-6c9c6b36cf16) - **Published:** 2026-08-09 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/6448ede7-ac56-4656-8fd1-d058baf767fd ## 60,000-year-old artworks Engravings on ostrich eggshells found at archaeological sites in South Africa and Namibia reveal that Homo sapiens living 60,000 years ago possessed surprisingly advanced mental capacities. A team led by the University of Bologna discovered these markings were not random scratches but followed specific geometric principles. Published in PLOS One, the study reveals a complex 'visual language' containing parallel lines, right angles, and repeating patterns. ## Systematic analysis methods Researchers applied novel geometric and statistical analysis techniques to 112 fragments found at Diepkloof and Klipdrift sites in South Africa and Apollo 11 in Namibia. They reconstructed the directions, angles, and paths of engraved lines. Results showed over 80% of configurations contained consistent spatial patterns, with 90-degree angles and parallel line sets frequently repeating. ## Complex geometric patterns More elaborate designs like hatched bands, grids, and diamond-shaped motifs showed evidence of advanced techniques including rotation, translation, repetition, and embedding. According to Silvia Ferrara, these engravings represent not just repeating signs but a true 'visual language' capable of creating hierarchical levels. Artists could visualize complete figures mentally before engraving them. ## Use as water containers Ostrich eggshells were likely used to carry or store water, but their engravings appear to have symbolic rather than practical meaning. These findings suggest early humans developed abstract thinking beyond daily needs. Valentina Decembrini emphasizes this ability connects to the origins of writing systems. ## Origins of abstract thought The research demonstrates humans 60,000 years ago could organize visual space according to abstract principles. The ability to transform simple forms into complex systems following defined rules has played a decisive role throughout human history, from decoration creation to symbolic systems and ultimately writing. ## International collaboration The study was conducted as part of the SAPIENCE project directed by Professor Silvia Ferrara at the University of Bologna, in collaboration with Professor Enza Spinapolice from Sapienza University of Rome. Supported by FIS Advanced, the project investigates the origins of symbols, preliterate communication, and code evolution. Findings provide new insights into early human cognitive evolution. ## Innovation in archaeological methodology This study adopted a novel methodological approach in artifact analysis. Using geometric and statistical techniques previously not applied to such objects, researchers gained significant clues about human mind evolution. The team notes these methods could also examine other prehistoric artworks. ## Discovery illuminating human evolution The 60,000-year-old ostrich eggshell engravings document a critical turning point in human cognitive evolution. These findings show abstract thinking emerged much earlier than presumed and foundations of complex visual language were being laid. Such archaeological evidence becomes increasingly important for understanding the origins of human cognitive abilities. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260808235013.htm — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._