Description: The drawings of animals and strange symbols that people of the Ice Age of 15,000 years ago placed in caves and rock shelters in Western Europe continue to intrigue us. What mysteries did the caves hold that induced people to traverse their hazards, discomforts, and darkness for the opportunity to engrave and paint pictures on the walls? This book shows how the psychological concepts and shamanistic beliefs of hunter-gatherers match a number of characteristics of the drawings. Over 150 illustrations from the caves indicate the patterns that support the argument for links between animals and humans. The author brings us closer to understanding the nature of life and its most profound meanings for our forerunners of so many thousands of years ago.
Review Quotes: «The author applies a broad, behavioristic methodology to the search for understanding of paleolithic cave art of southern Europe. He has so well-documented his explanation of why paleolithic peoples drew the unusual designs and images on the cave walls that scholars will have to deal with his work for years to come.» (Henry Morlock, State University of New York)
«On ne peut donc que conseiller aux mythologues la lecture de ce très riche ouvrage qui renouvelle fondamentalement les études sur l'art paléolithique par des thèses fort stimulantes, et dont les préhistoriens devront tenir compte.» (Jean-Loïs Le Quellec)