But scientists conclude that this art, some of it brilliant even by todays standards, reflects the development of symbolic life, an important turning point in hominid evolution that has sometimes been dubbed the minds big bang. The evidence for this creative spark that blossomed among our ancestors first appears

Why are cave painting is important?

Cave paintings illustrate the human need to communicate. This communication takes its form in leaving a mark for the future- to help guide, or communicate something so important that it needs a permanent representation. That is why the Altamira Cave in Spain is of major importance.

What is the oldest cave painting?

Archaeologists say they have discovered the worlds oldest known cave painting: a life-sized picture of a wild pig that was made at least 45,500 years ago in Indonesia. The finding, described in the journal Science Advances on Wednesday, provides the earliest evidence of human settlement of the region.