Study Notes on Rock Engravings Made by Homo naledi

Example and Context
- Age of Engravings: 241,000 to 335,000 years old
- Location: Rising Star Cave system, South Africa
- Authors: Lee R. Berger, John Hawks, Agustin Fuentes, Dirk van Rooyen, Mathabela Tsikoane, Maropeng Ramalepa, Samuel Nkwe, Keneiloe Molopyane
- Institutions involved:
- National Geographic Society
- Centre for the Exploration of the Deep Human Journey, University of the Witwatersrand
- Carnegie Institution for Science
- University of Wisconsin, Madison
- Princeton University
- University of York
- Corresponding Author: Lee Berger (lrberger@ngs.org)

Human evolution and cognitive development are signified through the act of creating designs on surfaces.
Traditional views held that such representations were exclusive to Late Pleistocene Homo sapiens.
Recent evidence shows that other hominin groups, like Neanderthals and possibly Homo erectus, also created similar markings.
These signs are indicative of intentionality and meaning-making, which suggests advanced cognitive capabilities.
Engravings were discovered in the Dinaledi subsystem of the Rising Star Cave, presenting the first known example of abstract patterns made by Homo naledi.
Engraved features include cross-hatchings and geometric shapes which suggest a level of cognitive complexity.

The Rising Star cave system is located in the dolomitic limestone of the Malmani Subgroup, characterized by marine rocks and stromatolite fossils.
More than 3 km of mapped passages exist within the system, with many remains of Homo naledi found throughout.
Burials and artifacts suggest periodic use of these chambers by Homo naledi between 241 and 335 ka.
Engravings were discovered on a natural pillar connecting the Hill Antechamber to the Dinaledi Chamber during a survey on July 28, 2022.
- The engravings are primarily linear and range from 5 to 15 cm in length, forming geometric figures including squares and crosses.
The locations of the panels (A, B, and C) have been identified to facilitate ongoing exploration and examination.

Panel A is located on the southern face of a pillar near the Hill Antechamber entry.
Notable features include:
- Discolored rock suggesting smoothing through human action.
- Evidence of percussive blows and the application of abrasive materials to the panel.
- Marks display a crossed impression, resembling a hashtag, indicative of intent rather than random chance.
- Analysis reveals at least 46 engravings that exhibit patterns and possible temporal ordering.
- Cleanest lines show recent creation, whereas some display weathering.
- Each line’s depth and compositional characteristics align with expectations for manufactured engravings, as opposed to natural weathering.
- The possibility of deliberate polishment or enhancement processes is inferred due to unique surface characteristics.
- Evidence of rest periods in creation suggests a ritualistic or repeated engagement with the space.

Distinction between natural weathering and artificial engravings highlighted by:
- Depth and construction of engraved lines which are typically shallow compared to weathering depths of more than 10 mm.
- Micro-photography shows overlapping striations indicating deliberate creation.
The relationship between engraved lines and natural geological features indicates intentional interaction rather than incidental contact.
Evidence of sediment covering engraved lines suggests post-creation interaction with the markings, further indicating intention.
Use of lithic tools for creating the engravings is suggested, though only a single tool has been linked to H. naledi.

Located on the northern wall near the burial feature.
Panel B features geometric shapes and possible non-linear figures. Panel C remains less analyzed but is reported for future research focused on sampling and mapping.

The study raises questions about the degree of intentionality and symbolic expression in early hominins.
The engraved patterns in the Dinaledi subsystem suggest advanced cognitive abilities in H. naledi.
Comparative analysis with other engravings globally, including Neanderthal engravings, suggests H. naledi's markings share developmental traits with later periods, impacting the understanding of human cognition and culture.
Limitations include challenges in accurately dating the engravings and the possibility of varied durations of activity within the cave.

Utilization of high-resolution photography and polarizing filters for detailed examination of the engravings.
Construction of 3D models of the engravings through photogrammetry techniques to analyze and document features.

Permits provided by South African National Research Foundation.
Funding from various institutions, including the National Geographic Society and the Lyda Hill Foundation.

Includes notable works relating to Homo naledi, symbolic behavior, and other archaeological findings supporting the discourse on cognitive development and cultural activities of early hominins.

Illustrated figures comparing engraved panels A, B, and C from various angles and under different lighting conditions to emphasize notable features.
Supporting figures showcase the complex interactions of engraved lines with natural geological structures, contributing to identifying specific patterns and characteristics.