Objekt 2102
Out of Africa
Description
Around 43,000 years ago a new hominid emigrated from Africa to Europe:
homo sapiens. Thanks to his new tools, weapons and methods of organisation
he was superior to the native Neanderthals and replaced them over
time. Homo sapiens made jewellery and musical instruments and painted
cave walls. Around 20,000 years ago he reached the north-western parts
of Switzerland. 292 painted and broken pebbles found in a cave near
Arlesheim suggest ritual practices.
Object description
Painted pebbles
site: Birseck-Eremitage cave near Arlesheim BL, c. 12600–11300 BC
limestone gravel, colour haematite
on loan from Museum der Kulturen Basel
Inv. 2019.45.1-25.