Visual attention to early red Palaeolithic cave markers

Early visual culture in prehistoric caves is notably characterised by the frequent use of red pigment, dynamic forms and its distribution throughout the cave environment. Given the evolutionary relevance of the colour red for trichromatic species, here we hypothesise that its use served a specific perceptual function. This eye-tracking study explores whether the colour of early non-figurative signs influences visual perception through bottom-up attentional processes. The results indicate that red signs are more quickly detected and sustain longer observation times than black signs. Moreover, when presented alongside figurative motifs, red signs continue to attract greater visual attention. These findings suggest that red signs may have functioned as visual markers, guiding perception and navigation through challenging cave environments by using the attentional salience of the colour red. Based on its saliency, red markers would contribute to domesticate the space thanks to the causal relationship established between them and human presence.