An Epipaleolithic Example of Symmetry for the “Mind’s Eye”

A decorated basalt shaft straightener discovered at the Natufian open-air site of Nahal Ein Gev II (Israel) seemingly provides an insight into the workings of the human mind ca. 12,000 years ago. It is oval and features a central deep groove flanked on both sides by a series of perpendicular striations—24 on the right and 26 on the left—grouped into three registers. The number of lines in the third register on either side constitutes the total number of lines incised in the other two registers. Apparently, the notation-maker was intent on indicating the mathematically correct number of lines on either side of the groove at the expense of a visual bilateral symmetry sensu stricto. As such, this appears to be one of the earliest recorded instances in human prehistory to directly manifest this uniquely human cognitive characteristic. It also serves as a “wake-up call” to revisit other “decorated” Natufian and Epipaleolithic items.