The Use of Ochre and Painting During the Upper Paleolithic of the Swabian Jura in the Context of the Development of Ochre Use in Africa and Europe

Archaeological evidence from the Swabian Jura, Germany, reveals that anatomically modern humans began using ochre and painting around 140,000 years ago, marking a significant cultural development in Central Europe. The study focuses on artifacts, particularly painted limestones from the Magdalenian layers of Hohle Fels Cave, which are argued to represent the beginning of a painting tradition in the region. By analyzing these artifacts and comparing them with ochre use in Africa and Europe, researchers provide insights into the early human behaviors and cultural practices during the Upper Paleolithic period.

Wolf, S., Conard, N. J., Floss, H., Dapschauskas, R., Velliky, E., & Kandel, A. W. (2018). The Use of Ochre and Painting During the Upper Paleolithic of the Swabian Jura in the Context of the Development of Ochre Use in Africa and Europe. Open Archaeology, 4(1), 185–205. https://doi.org/10.1515/opar-2018-0012