SignBase, a collection of geometric signs on mobile objects in the Paleolithic

Area of Science:

• Archaeology
• Paleolithic Art
• Cognitive Evolution

Background:

• Geometric signs are abundant in Paleolithic art, appearing on various mobile objects.
• These signs are frequently interpreted as indicators of symbolic thought and cognitive modernity.
• Previous research has focused on rock art, with less systematic study of signs on mobile objects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a comprehensive database (SignBase) of geometric signs on mobile objects from key Paleolithic periods and regions.
• To analyze the distribution and types of geometric signs in the European Aurignacian techno-complex.
• To lay the groundwork for quantitative analyses of pre-literate abstract graphical expression.

Main Methods:

• The SignBase project systematically collects data on geometric signs from mobile Paleolithic objects.
• Data includes geographic and archaeological provenience, object type, material, dimensions, preservation, and references.
• Focus on Aurignacian techno-complex objects (ca. 43,000–30,000 years BP) from Europe, with broader inclusion of African Middle Stone Age and Near/South East Asian sites.

Main Results:

• SignBase currently registers over 500 Aurignacian objects with geometric signs.
• Approximately 30 distinct sign types have been identified across European Aurignacian objects.
• Analysis demonstrates the potential for identifying geographical clusters of sign usage.

Conclusions:

• The SignBase project provides a valuable resource for studying early symbolic behavior and cognitive development.
• Geometric signs on mobile objects offer a rich, quantifiable dataset for understanding pre-historic graphic communication.
• Future research can leverage SignBase for in-depth quantitative analyses of abstract expression preceding writing systems.