The mention of crayons immediately brings to mind the image of long, slender, sticks that have a tapered end. These come neatly packed in boxes, and in all colours and sizes. Colouring a picture with crayons is an enjoyable activity for not just kids but also grown-ups. But have you ever wondered what ‘crayons’ our ancestors in the Mesolithic ages used? Well, scientists have most likely found the answer. Archaeologists believe that they have discovered the earliest example of a crayon near an ancient lake now blanketed in peat, near Scarborough, North Yorkshire. This ochre crayon was used by our ancestors about 10,000 years ago for applying colour to their animal skins or for artwork.
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The researchers also discovered an ochre pebble at another site on the opposite side of the lake. The discovery was made by the University of York researchers, who worked in collaboration with the Universities of Chester and Manchester. The pebble reportedly had a heavily striated surface which was likely scraped to produce a red pigment powder. Meanwhile, the crayon measures 22 millimetres (0.87 inches) long and 7 millimetres (0.28 inches) wide. The researchers believe that ochre is an important mineral pigment that was used by prehistoric hunter-gatherers across the world.
The latest research was published in the Journal of Archaeological Science. It states that people collected ochre and processed it in different ways during the Mesolithic period (8000 BC to AD 2700, also called the Middle Stone Age) when people used chipped stone tools. “One of the latest objects we have found looks exactly like a crayon; the tip is faceted and has gone from a rounded end to a really sharpened end, suggesting it has been used,” says lead author Andy Needham from the University of York.
Image: Paul Shields/ University of YorkWith this discovery, the researchers state that their understanding of Mesolithic life has furthered. “The pebble and crayon were located in an area already rich in art. It is possible there could have been an artistic use of these objects, perhaps for colouring animal skins or for use in decorative artwork,” says Needham. He adds that colour was a very significant part of hunter-gatherer life and “ochre gives you a very vibrant red colour.” At the site where the pebble and the crayon were discovered, researchers also found more than 30 red deer antler headdresses. These are believed to have been used as a disguise when hunting, or during ritual performances by shamans when attempting to communicate with animal spirits.