In Germany, archaeologists found a 13,000-year-old artifact with traces of a rare blue pigment—azurite. This discovery changes the understanding of Paleolithic art, which was previously thought to be limited to only black and red paints.
Archaeologists discovered an ancient stone artifact in Germany with traces of the blue mineral pigment azurite, dating back approximately 13,000 years. The find prompts a revision of the understanding of prehistoric European art.
Research conducted by scientists from Aarhus University and other institutions using modern analytical methods confirmed the pigment’s composition. Before this, it was believed that Paleolithic artists predominantly used black and red paints.
According to the lead author, Dr. Izzy Wisher, the presence of blue pigment may indicate the use of palettes for paint preparation, body painting, or fabric dyeing—practices that leave few archaeological traces. “It’s possible that Paleolithic communities were much more color-selective than we thought,” she noted.
The discovery demonstrates the complex knowledge of minerals and color symbolism possessed by people of the Stone Age. Researchers believe that prehistoric art may have been brighter and more diverse than contemporary archaeology suggests.
