First Humanity

From 28 June 2008 to 12 October 2008
Musée national de Préhistoire - Les Eyzies-de-Tayac

The first tangible evidence of human symbolic expression, i.e. graphic art, is usually attributed to Homo sapiens, particularly in South Africa starting approximately 200,000 years ago. In light of our current understanding of such matters, however, it must now be recognised that another aspect of symbolic activity seems to have been shared, at least at the beginning, among Neanderthals living in the entire northern and eastern area of the Mediterranean basin. This second aspect, which can be seen through inhumations and other associated practices, is their “religiosity”.

This is a fine illustration of the real humanity of individuals who were too often, and for far too long, likened by collective opinion to ape-like creatures; it is also sweet revenge for those who may well have taught modern human beings how to respect the dead.