Who Created the First Art? Homo Erectus?

So Google Bard got a major update today, and say what you want about AI, it’s not coming, it is here, and we might as well use it!

So I set it up to act as if it was a paleoanthropologist and asked it a few questions. Here is how it went:

I asked it who was the first creator of art-

Homo Erectus – The Cradle of Artistic Expression?

For decades, the realm of art and symbolism was considered the exclusive domain of Homo sapiens. However, recent discoveries have cast doubt on this long-held belief. Evidence suggests that our ancestors, Homo erectus, may have possessed a capacity for artistic expression previously thought unimaginable.

Here’s why Homo erectus could be responsible for the creation of art:

1. The Trinil Shell Engraving: In 2014, researchers discovered a half-million-year-old mussel shell bearing a complex zigzag pattern. This engraving, found on the Indonesian island of Java, predates by hundreds of thousands of years any previously known examples of art. While the exact purpose of the engraving remains unknown, its deliberate nature and geometric complexity suggest a symbolic or artistic intent.

2. Cognitive Abilities: Recent studies have revealed that Homo erectus possessed cognitive abilities far more sophisticated than previously assumed. They were capable of complex toolmaking, controlled fire, and used advanced hunting strategies. This suggests they possessed the cognitive capacity for abstract thinking and symbolic representation, essential prerequisites for artistic expression.

3. Ochre Use: Evidence suggests that Homo erectus used ochre, a naturally occurring pigment, at least 400,000 years ago. While the exact purpose of ochre use remains unclear, its potential applications include body decoration, marking tools, or even creating rudimentary art.

4. Engraved Bones: Although rare, a few engraved bones have been found associated with Homo erectus sites. While these markings are less complex than the Trinil shell engraving, their deliberate nature suggests an intention to communicate or represent something beyond the purely practical.

5. Cultural Practices: We know that Homo erectus engaged in complex cultural practices, including burial rituals and the use of symbolic objects. This suggests that they possessed a capacity for abstract thought and symbolic representation, which are fundamental to art creation.

6. Shared Ancestry: We share a common ancestor with Homo erectus, suggesting that the potential for artistic expression existed long before the emergence of Homo sapiens. This evolutionary continuity makes it plausible that Homo erectus may have engaged in rudimentary forms of artistic expression.

7. Expanding Definition of Art: Expanding our definition of art to encompass non-figurative and symbolic expressions may lead to the recognition of artistic endeavors in other hominin species. This shift in perspective opens up new possibilities for understanding the origins of human creativity.

While the debate surrounding Homo erectus and art remains ongoing, the evidence presented here suggests that they possessed the cognitive capabilities and cultural practices necessary for artistic expression. As we continue to uncover more evidence, the true extent of Homo erectus’ artistic potential will become increasingly clear.

In conclusion, while conclusive evidence remains elusive, the emerging data paints a compelling picture of Homo erectus as a species capable of artistic expression. Recognizing their potential in this realm challenges our understanding of human evolution and forces us to reconsider the origins of creativity.