The concept of "inventing" the color yellow is not accurate, as yellow is a part of the visible light spectrum. However, the use of yellow pigments by humans has a long history.
History of Yellow Pigment Use
The provided reference indicates that yellow pigments, derived from ochre-rich clay soils, were used as early as 45,000 BCE. These pigments were used for:
- Decorating human bodies
- Painting on cave walls
This demonstrates the early human recognition and utilization of yellow as a color. The reference also notes that the first lexical references to yellow in the West came from the Neolithic period, with descriptions such as “yellow as honey” or “yellow as ripe wheat.” These references further confirm the significance of yellow in human culture, associating it with things of value, such as the sun and gold.
Key Findings
Here is a summary of the points discussed:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Earliest Use of Yellow Pigments | ~45,000 BCE |
| Material Source | Ochre-rich clay soils |
| Early Usage | Body decoration, cave paintings |
| Neolithic References | "Yellow as honey," "yellow as ripe wheat" |
| Symbolic Significance | Sun, gold |
In conclusion, while yellow is not something that was invented but is instead a part of nature, humans began using yellow pigments derived from ochre as early as 45,000 BCE.
