Upper Paleolithic art depicting aurochs, horses, and deer, Laxcaux Caves, France. (Wikimedia Commons)
Becoming Human
During the Paleolithic era, Cro-Magnon’s artistic and creative expression reached a critical mass as seen in cave paintings all over Europe, Asia, Siberia, Australia and Africa.
Creativity in Response to Crisis
The most intense artistic activity happened just as the Ice Age reached its most severe phase (approximately 40,000–15,000 years ago). Then about 10,000 years ago, it virtually disappeared as the Ice Age ended. Is there a connection?
Connecting with the Spirit World
Many cave paintings were likely created as part of a ritual that took place in underground environments, and in which our ancient ancestors re-created and re-worked their out-of-body visions.
The Prehistoric Use of Sound in Caves
Subterranean echoes were very likely understood by our Paleolithic ancestors to be the voices of spirits. Their reverberating acoustics appeared to come from deep inside the cave walls, thought to be portals to the spirit world.
The Human Trance State and the Idea of a Three-Tiered Universe
There is a common concept shared by different shamanic traditions around the world since prehistory, that cannot be accounted for by communication or migration, and is likely rooted in the human ability to access altered states.
Becoming Human
During the Paleolithic era, Cro-Magnon’s artistic and creative expression reached a critical mass as seen in cave paintings all over Europe, Asia, Siberia, Australia and Africa.
Creativity in Response to Crisis
The most intense artistic activity happened just as the Ice Age reached its most severe phase (approximately 40,000–15,000 years ago). Then about 10,000 years ago, it virtually disappeared as the Ice Age ended. Is there a connection?
Connecting with the Spirit World
Many cave paintings were likely created as part of a ritual that took place in underground environments, and in which our ancient ancestors re-created and re-worked their out-of-body visions.
The Prehistoric Use of Sound in Caves
Subterranean echoes were very likely understood by our Paleolithic ancestors to be the voices of spirits. Their reverberating acoustics appeared to come from deep inside the cave walls, thought to be portals to the spirit world.
The Human Trance State and the Idea of a Three-Tiered Universe
There is a common concept shared by different shamanic traditions around the world since prehistory, that cannot be accounted for by communication or migration, and is likely rooted in the human ability to access altered states.
