For nearly a century, archaeologists have been perplexed by the complete absence of cave paintings in the Levant, particularly in Israel. While European caves boast an abundance of prehistoric art, none has been discovered in this historically rich region. Now, researchers from Tel Aviv University have proposed a groundbreaking explanation: prehistoric humans in the Levant may have never created cave paintings because the large, majestic animals depicted in European cave art had already vanished from the region.
Without these animals, the need for shamanic rituals deep within caves—a practice believed to invoke abundance and ensure survival—would have been absent.
This hypothesis, published as an editorial in the Journal of the Israel Prehistoric Society, was authored by an interdisciplinary team from Tel Aviv University's Department of Archaeology: Prof. Ran Barkai, Dr. Ilan Degani, Dr. Miki Ben-Dor, and Dr. Yafit Kedar. Prof. Barkai emphasized the enduring nature of the enigma. “The first excavation of a prehistoric cave in Israel occurred in 1925, but despite nearly a century of dedicated research, not a single cave painting has been uncovered,” he lamented. “In stark contrast, hundreds of magnificent cave paintings have been discovered across Europe, particularly in Spain and France.”
New research suggests prehistoric humans in Israel didn't create cave paintings because large animals had already gone extinct there, unlike in Europe. More at https://t.co/mKL3Vzgc3j
— Israel Headline News (@IsraelHeadline) January 6, 2025
Unveiling the Mystery
Prof. Barkai drew comparisons between life in the Levant and Western Europe roughly 30,000 to 35,000 years ago, a period marked by the flourishing of the Aurignacian culture. “Humans in both regions were part of the same cultural framework,” he explained. “They created similar tools, adorned themselves with comparable art such as beads and pendants, and displayed identical cognitive abilities. Yet, cave paintings—one of the most iconic forms of prehistoric art—are entirely absent in Israel.”
Adding to the intrigue, archaeological evidence suggests that the Aurignacian cultures of the Levant and Europe not only shared biological and cultural similarities but also maintained connections. According to Prof. Barkai, “Modern Homo sapiens migrated out of Africa around 60,000 to 70,000 years ago, passing through the Levant and reaching Europe approximately 45,000 years ago. However, the evidence now shows that some humans returned to Israel, indicating a bidirectional migration pattern. Despite these movements, cave paintings are found only in Europe.”
New research reveals why prehistoric humans painted on cave walls in Europe but not in the Levant.https://t.co/CSGUwr0emx
— Israel Hayom English (@IsraelHayomEng) January 6, 2025
The Role of Shamanic Rituals
To unravel this conundrum, the researchers explored the fundamental question: Why did humans create cave paintings in the first place? Prof. Barkai suggested that these artworks were not merely decorative but served as central elements in shamanic rituals linked to altered states of consciousness. “These rituals aimed to communicate with entities believed to reside beyond the cave walls, within the underworld. This realm was considered a source of abundance, and humans sought its aid during crises,” he explained.
The researchers argue that the extinction of large animals such as woolly mammoths and woolly rhinos, which began soon after modern humans arrived in Europe, triggered these rituals. These creatures, rich in fat and essential for survival, were a primary food source. Their gradual disappearance created existential distress, driving prehistoric humans into the depths of caves to depict the animals in art as part of ceremonies aimed at ensuring their return. Interestingly, cave paintings appear to cease around the time when these animals were fully extinct in Europe.
The Levantine Difference
In contrast, the Levant presented an entirely different scenario. “Here, the large animals had already been hunted to extinction by earlier human species before the arrival of Homo sapiens,” Prof. Barkai noted. “By the time modern humans arrived, species such as elephants and rhinos were no longer present. As a result, they adapted to hunting smaller, faster animals.”
Researchers working in the Manot Cave in Israel’s western Galilee have uncovered evidence of what they describe as the earliest examples of communal worship amongst prehistoric humans.
— AIJAC (@AIJAC_Update) December 21, 2024
The Manot Cave ritual complex is the “first evidence” of its kind in the Levant and “among the… pic.twitter.com/McF8EnKEZI
This absence of large animals eliminated the ecological and cultural crisis that catalyzed the creation of cave paintings in Europe. “For those who migrated to Europe, encountering massive creatures like mammoths and woolly rhinos must have felt like stepping into paradise,” Prof. Barkai speculated. “But witnessing their extinction firsthand led to a profound crisis, prompting the emergence of cave art as a desperate plea for survival. In the Levant, however, the absence of such a crisis—coupled with ecological continuity—meant there was no need for such practices.”
Implications for Prehistoric Understanding
The researchers emphasize that their hypothesis underscores a broader realization: early humans were acutely aware of their role in the extinction of their food sources. The deliberate choice to depict these animals in sacred rituals highlights the intricate relationship between humans and their environment. Moreover, the study sheds light on the cultural and ecological diversity of prehistoric societies, revealing how regional differences in fauna profoundly shaped human behavior and expression.
Ultimately, the absence of cave paintings in the Levant is not a sign of cultural deficiency but rather a testament to the unique challenges and adaptations faced by early humans in this region. By reimagining the context of prehistoric life, the study invites us to appreciate the rich tapestry of human history and the enduring impact of our interactions with the natural world.
