The origins of symbolics and religious rites in prehistorical hunters and gatherers

Karavanić, Ivor. (1995). The origins of symbolics and religious rites in prehistorical hunters and gatherers. Obnovljeni život, 50(1). pp. 25-45. ISSN 0351-3947

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Abstract

First results of investigations on the origin of simbolics and burial rites in prehistoric hunters and gatherers are described. Various interpretations and numerous archaeological and palaeontological findings are mentioned, which represent the material sources for investigations of this matter. The findings dating from the lower palaeolithic referring to the origins of symbolics and religious ideas of man of the genus Homo erectus are doubtful and unreliable. The oldest, somewhat more reliable traces of symbolical and religious behaviour (burials), schratches on human bones as probable consequences of burial rites, ochre, minerals and shelles, etc. can also be found in Neanderthal man (Homo sapiens neanderthalensis) in the medium palaeolitic. In his attempts to penetrate into the symbolic values of probable burial rites of Neanderthal man, besides archaeological and palaeological findings, the author uses data on burial rites of historical and contemporary nomads and hunters.

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