Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/221328
Title: Early human collective practices and symbolism in the Early Upper Paleolithic of Southwest Asia
Author: Barzilai, Omry
Marder, Ofer
Tejero, José Miguel
Ayalon, Avner
Bar-Matthews, Mira
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
Habaship, Waseem
May, Hila
Sarig, Rachel
Hershkovitz, Israel
Keywords: Israel
Petroglifs
Paleolític superior
Identitat col·lectiva
Simbolisme
Israel
Petroglyphs
Upper Paleolithic
Group identity
Symbolism
Issue Date: 15-Nov-2024
Publisher: National Academy of Sciences
Abstract: 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 gather- ings 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 parti- tioned 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 ~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, facil- itating 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.
Note: Reproducció del document publicat a: https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2404632121
It is part of: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America - PNAS, 2024, vol. 121, num.51, p. e2404632121
URI: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/221328
ISSN: 0027-8424
Appears in Collections:Articles publicats en revistes (Història i Arqueologia)

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