Early human collective practices and symbolism in the Early Upper Paleolithic of Southwest Asia

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Barzilai, Omry; Marder, Ofer; Tejero, Jose- Miguel; Ayalon, Avner; Matthews, Miryam Bar-; Abulafia, Talia; Lavi, Ron; Goder-Goldberger, Mae; Shemer, Maayan; Edeltin, Lotan; Wiegmann, Alexander; Frumkin, Amos; Karasik, Avshalom; Yasur, Gal; Yeshurun, Reuven; Zohar, Irit; Berna, Francesco; Hans, Mark; Goldberg, Jerold S.; Mcdermott, Yvonne; Spurlock, Linda; Pokhojaev, Ariel; Habashi, Waseem; May, Hila; Sarig, Rachel; Hershkovitz, Israel
• 署名单位: University of Haifa; Ben-Gurion University of the Negev; University of Barcelona; University of Vienna; Geological Survey Israel; Hebrew University of Jerusalem; University of Haifa; Tel Aviv University; Oranim Academic College of Education; Simon Fraser University; University of Siena; University System of Ohio; Case Western Reserve University; University System of Ohio; Case Western Reserve University; University System of Ohio; Kent State University; Kent State University Salem; Kent State University Kent; Tel Aviv University; Tel Aviv University; Tel Aviv University
• 刊物名称: PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0027-10618
• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2404632121
• 发表日期: 2024-12-17
• 关键词: pleistocene rock art; western galilee; cave; BEHAVIOR; context; turtle; AGE; emergence; tortoise; burial

摘要

Identifying communal rituals in the Paleolithic is of scientific importance, as it reflects the expression of collective identity and the maintenance of group cohesion. This study provides evidence indicating the practice of deep cave collective rituals in the Levant during the Early Upper Paleolithic (EUP) period. It is demonstrated that these gatherings occurred within a distinct ritual compound and were centered around an engraved object in the deepest part of Manot Cave, a pivotal EUP site in southwest Asia. The ritual compound, segregated from the living areas, encompasses a large gallery partitioned by a cluster of remarkable speleothems. Within this gallery, an engraved boulder stands out, displaying geometric signs suggesting a unique representation of a tortoise. Isotopic analysis of calcite crusts on the boulder's grooves revealed alignment with values found in speleothems from the cave dated to similar to 37 to 35 ka BP. Additionally, meticulous shape analysis of the grooves' cross- section and the discernible presence of microlinear scratches on the grooves' walls confirmed their anthropogenic origin. Examination of stalagmite laminae (36 ka BP) near the engraved boulder revealed a significant presence of wood ash particles within. This finding provides evidence for using fire to illuminate the dark, deep part of the cave during rituals. Acoustic tests conducted in various cave areas indicate that the ritual compound was well suited for communal gatherings, facilitating conversations, speeches, and hearing. Our results underscore the critical role of collective practices centered around a symbolic object in fostering a functional social network within the regional EUP communities.