Work

Correcting and standardizing biometrical deformation in palaeolithic hand stencils: an experimental approach for age and sex determination

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Hand representations are among the most significant and widespread motifs in Palaeolithic rock art, and they have long been regarded as a valuable source for investigating biological and social aspects of prehistoric communities, such as age, sex, or individual identity. However, morphometric analysis of these representations presents important methodological challenges due to dimensional alterations introduced during their creation. These deformations hinder direct comparability between archaeological hands and modern anatomical samples, potentially affecting the interpretation of biological variables. The aim of this study is to identify, quantify, and standardize the dimensional deviations produced by negative and positive hand execution techniques, explicitly considering the orientation of pigment application. To this end, 33 scanned anatomical hands and 198 experimental replicas, blown and pressed onto rock surfaces, were analysed across five primary orientations (frontal, up, down, left, and right). Metric measurements were performed on photogrammetric models and compared with the original scans obtained using a contact laser scanner. The results show that negative hands systematically produce outlines larger than the original anatomical model, while positive hands exhibit a general reduction in dimensions. Additionally, specific deformation patterns were identified for each orientation, particularly in the fingers. Based on these data, an average deformation index was defined, allowing for the correction and standardization of archaeological measurements. This approach improves analytical comparability and provides a tool applicable to morphometric studies of Palaeolithic rock art.

Source: Journal of Archaeological Science Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.jasrep.2026.106169

Authors: Verónica Fernández-Navarro, Diego Garate

Institutions: University of the Basque Country, Interdisciplinary Center for Archaeology and the Evolution of Human Behaviour, University of Algarve, Universidad de Cantabria

Language: English

Topic: Archaeology and Rock Art Studies

Subfield: Archeology

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,910

Funders: Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, Eusko Jaurlaritza, Agencia Estatal de Investigación