Rites in the dark? An evaluation of the current evidence for ritual areas at Magdalenian cave sites

Pablo Arias

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Publication Date

1-1-2009

Publication Title

World Archaeology

Volume Number

41

Issue Number

2

Abstract

It is likely that ritual activity existed (and even played an important role) in the life of Upper Palaeolithic groups. However, rites are among the aspects of human behaviour most elusive to archaeological research. In this paper, we will analyse the evidence from several Magdalenian cave sites where the existence of ‘sanctuaries’ or other kinds of ritual activity has been claimed. The available methods for the evaluation of this kind of area will be discussed, and a preliminary assessment of some recently documented sites will be proposed.

Keywords

Hunting and gathering societies

Geographic Subject

Europe

Document Type

Article

Language

English

Identifier

K26-05356

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