Israeli archaeologists solve mystery of missing cave art in the Levant

For over a century, archaeologists have puzzled over a striking absence in Israel’s prehistoric record while Europe boasts stunning Paleolithic cave paintings, not a single one has been found in the Levant, despite the region’s rich history of human habitation. Now, a team from Tel Aviv University believes they have cracked the mystery.

Published in the Journal of the Israel Prehistoric Society, the study suggests that the answer lies in animal extinctions. In Europe, prehistoric humans painted mammoths and woolly rhinoceroses deep inside caves, likely as part of shamanic rituals aimed at restoring dwindling game populations.

In contrast, when Homo sapiens arrived in the Levant around 60,000 years ago, large animals like elephants and rhinoceroses had already been hunted to extinction by earlier human species. With no memory of these creatures as a primary food source, there was no need for the ritual cave paintings seen in Europe.

Professor Ran Barkai, one of the study’s authors, explains that Israel’s lack of cave art is not due to an absence of artistic ability but rather a fundamentally different survival experience.

"Israel has numerous caves that were occupied by humans during the same time period as the Aurignacian culture in Europe, yet not a single cave painting has been discovered," said Barkai. "Moreover, evidence shows that people in both regions were culturally and biologically similar, using similar tools and creating comparable artistic objects."

The study highlights the spiritual significance of European cave art. Many of these paintings are found deep inside caves, places often perceived by indigenous cultures as gateways to the underworld.

"By painting these animals, prehistoric Europeans were likely appealing to supernatural forces for the return of their lost food sources," Barkai explained. "These were desperate survival rituals."

Meanwhile, in Israel, early humans adapted to hunting smaller, faster animals, avoiding the existential crisis that gripped their European counterparts. Their survival strategies eliminated the need for rituals focused on bringing back extinct creatures, leading to a complete absence of cave art in the region.

The study also sheds light on early human awareness of their impact on nature. Researchers argue that prehistoric humans understood their dependence on large animals and recognized the consequences of their disappearance.

"The missing cave paintings in Israel tell a story of survival, adaptation, and cultural differences," said Barkai. "It’s a testament to how humans respond to their environment and the crises they face."

This discovery rewrites our understanding of early human societies, offering a fascinating glimpse into how prehistoric people adapted to changing landscapes.

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