Reevaluating Hand Stencil Phenomena in Cave Art: A Step Forward towards the Characterization of Symbolic Patterns during the Upper Palaeolithic in Europe

Abstract Among the most recurring motifs in the prehistoric rock-art corpus, handprints stand out as one of the most significant elements due to their dual nature, both artistic and fossil. These markings represent a unique source of information for characterizing the corresponding artists and the social and cultural context of prehistoric communities. This study focuses on a comprehensive characterization of the phenomenon of Upper Palaeolithic hand representations from a multidimensional perspective, combining various theoretical and methodological approaches. By offering a holistic view, the aim is to contextualize these artistic expressions within a broader framework that includes biological, social, cultural, spatial and technological considerations. The study revisits classical documentation on hand representations and brings new perspectives through experiments and analyses conducted under conditions that replicate, as closely as possible, the physical and technological characteristics of the Upper Palaeolithic. These new perspectives broaden our understanding of these artistic expressions and their significance within prehistoric societies, shedding light on their potential role within rock art and their functional and symbolic meaning.