Recent discoveries at the Gönnersdorf archaeological site in western Germany have unveiled what may be the oldest known representations of fishing, dating back 15,000 years. The site, first excavated in 1968, has yielded over 81,000 artifacts, including tools and jewelry, but the latest findings focus on engravings that depict a fish ensnared in a net.
Researchers, led by Jérôme Robitaille from the Monrepos Archaeological Research Center, utilized Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) to analyze previously ambiguous engravings. This advanced imaging technique revealed intricate grid-like patterns that resemble fishing nets, suggesting a sophisticated understanding of fishing practices among Ice Age peoples.
The engravings emphasize the act of fishing rather than merely illustrating fish, indicating a structured and possibly seasonal social activity. Previous archaeological evidence had established that Paleolithic hunter-gatherers consumed fish, but these engravings represent the first visual documentation of fishing methods from the Late Upper Paleolithic, a period spanning approximately 35,000 to 10,000 years ago.
These findings challenge existing narratives about Ice Age societies, highlighting the significance of fishing in their diets and social structures. The researchers noted that the engravings demonstrate intentionality, with fish being carved before the nets, underscoring the importance of this activity within the community.
Additionally, the discovery aligns with textile impressions found at other Paleolithic sites, suggesting that fishing nets may have been in use much earlier than previously thought. The Gönnersdorf engravings serve as a testament to humanity's long-standing impulse to capture and convey experiences through art.