Title

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

Creator

Pablo Arias

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Publication Date

January 2009

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

Type

Article

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

Identifier

K26-05356

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