Paleolithic finger flutings as efficient communication: Applying Zipf's Law to two panels in Rouffignac Cave, France

Abstract

Two fluted panels in Rouffignac Cave, France, appear highly ordered as opposed to other panels that appear haphazardly made. Is it possible to objectively establish that an intention to communicate thoughts and ideas lay behind the fluting of the two “ordered” panels? To help answer this, we apply a concept from communications theory called Zipf's Law, which can establish whether data represent “efficient communication” or are random. Applying the law to the two panels (using the number of fingers in each fluted hand as the variable) shows that the two panels may constitute efficient communication. We conclude by discussing related matters, including the idea of Paleolithic notational markings.

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