What does this research mean for the field?

Symbolic cognition in the Homo lineage evolved gradually across diverse regions and species, including Neanderthals, driven by cultural transmission and niche construction rather than a sudden, Homo sapiens-specific cognitive leap. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.SYNTHESIS. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.CHALLENGES_CONSENSUS.

What question did this study set out to answer?

Synthesize archaeological, fossil, and genetic evidence to reassess the evolutionary timeline, mechanisms, and taxonomic distribution of symbolic cognition across the Homo genus.

August 27, 2026Journal of the Royal Anthropological InstituteOpen Access

The emergence and complexification of symbolic practices in the Homo lineage: an archaeological and cognitive perspective

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Authors

FDFrancesco d'ErricoUniversité de Bordeaux ICIvan ColagèPontifical University of the Holy Cross LSLarissa M. StraffonUniversity of Bergen

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Implication

Archaeological review reveals deep antiquity of symbolic cognition across early Homo populations, suggesting gradual cultural evolution rather than a sudden species-specific leap.

Key Points

Synthesize archaeological, fossil, and genetic evidence to reassess the evolutionary timeline, mechanisms, and taxonomic distribution of symbolic cognition across the Homo genus.
Reviewed global archaeological and paleoanthropological records spanning Middle to Upper Pleistocene contexts.
Assessed material evidence of symbolic practices, including geometric engravings, body ornamentation, pigment use, and deliberate burials across Homo sapiens and Neanderthals.
Traced symbolic material culture to over 140,000 years ago for North African body ornaments and 77,000 years ago for geometric engravings at Blombos Cave, South Africa.
Documented extensive symbolic behavior among Neanderthals, including pigment application, personal ornamentation, deliberate burials, and structured cave modifications.
Demonstrated that symbolic capacity evolved gradually via cultural transmission and niche construction alongside anatomical modernization over 300,000 years, rather than via a sudden speciation event.

Cite This Study

d'Errico et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a8fea0d10c91c1e9262214f https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-9655.70189

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Implication

Archaeological review reveals deep antiquity of symbolic cognition across early Homo populations, suggesting gradual cultural evolution rather than a sudden species-specific leap.

The emergence and complexification of symbolic practices in the Homo lineage: an archaeological and cognitive perspective

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

The emergence and complexification of symbolic practices in the Homo lineage: an archaeological and cognitive perspective

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

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