Symbolic behavior Middle Stone Age

zoomorphic pictogram on stone slab msa of apollo 11 cave, namibia

symbolic behavior is, perhaps, 1 of difficult aspects of modern human behavior distinguish archaeologically. when searching evidence of symbolic behavior in msa, there 3 lines of evidence can considered: direct evidence reflecting concrete examples of symbols; indirect evidence reflecting behaviors have been used convey symbolic thought; , technological evidence reflecting tools , skills have been used produce art. direct evidence difficult find beyond 40ka, , indirect evidence intangible, technological evidence fruitful of three.

today there widespread agreement among archaeologists world s first art , symbolic culture dates southern african middle stone age. of striking artifacts, including engraved pieces of red ochre, manufactured @ blombos cave in south africa 70 ka. pierced , ochred nassarius shell beads recovered blombos, earlier examples (middle stone age, aterian) taforalt caves. arrows , hide working tools have been found @ sibudu cave evidence of making weapons compound heat treated gluing technology.