What was likely humankind's earliest communications medium?

Humankind's earliest communications medium is likely facial gestures. This is because non-verbal communication, especially through facial expressions, is fundamental to human interaction and can convey emotions, intentions, and reactions without the need for spoken language. Facial gestures are instinctive and universally understood, establishing a connection between individuals long before the development of spoken or written language.

Auditory sounds could also be considered significant, but they would not have the same clarity as facial gestures since various sounds without context might not convey specific messages. Written language is a much later development in human communication, emerging thousands of years after humans first began to interact with one another. Visual art can express ideas and emotions, but it serves a different purpose compared to the immediate and personal connection established through facial gestures. Therefore, facial gestures stand out as the earliest and most basic form of communication among early humans.