TO the modern eye they are arcane symbols carved into the rock, conjuring up images of arcane rituals conducted to flickering firelight in the dim and distant past.
But now researchers belief that mysterious cave markings found across Europe and Asia may in fact be a form of Stone Age bling.
A team from the University of Edinburgh have been studying examples of the carvings, which depict cattle heads complete with curving horns, using the latest digital techniques on rock-cut tombs in Sardinia, Italy.
The reliefs, which date from around 6,000 to 4,000 years ago, are known as bucrania and are similar to patterns found on drinking vessels and other pottery.
Now the researchers have concluded that instead of being connected with religious rites or funerary practices, the carvings are more likely to symbols of status and wealth.
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The scientists used cutting-edge 3D photographic techniques to identify previously unseen faint markings when examining the location of the motifs inside the monuments.
They also studied ancient animal remains previously found in the area, and depictions of cattle heads on food vessels to assess the cultural significance of cattle in Neolithic Sardinia and looked at similar examples of bucrania art in the tombs of three present traditional societies in Southeast Asia to see if parallels emerged.
Analysis revealed the motifs were related to buffalos, which were seen as special animals and important symbols of prosperity and status which are associated with feasting, rather than religious ritual.
The team says it is likely the motifs in Neolithic Sardinian tombs were used to display the position of the deceased in society and challenge competing social groups within the community.
The findings help the understanding of the role of architectural art in Neolithic societies, they added.
Lead researcher, Dr Guillaume Robin of the University of Edinburgh’s School of History, Classics and Archaeology, Dr Robin said: “When we uncover art in a non-domestic archaeological context such as a tomb, we are prompt to interpret this art as religious.
"This research, through a specific case study shows that art is not just about illustrating beliefs or worldview, it can be about status.”
READ MORE: Seal rock shows that early Scots were religious
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