Paleolithic Mythology

Intentional burial of the deceased with grave goods has been attributed to Neanderthals, Homo neanderthalensis, as early as 300,000 years ago. Skeletal remains stained with red ochre of intentionally buried humans dating to 100,000 years ago have been found in the Middle East, Africa. This practice is still present in Australian remains dating to 42,000 years ago.

Anthropomorphic figures from figurines and cave paintings, some half bird and half man and others half lion and half man, as well as Venus figurines may indicate a early beliefs in deities.

These early rituals in Neanderthals may indicate that religion is not specific to Homo sapiens. Mourning, or mourning-like behaviors, have been witnessed in several animal species including chimpanzees, bonobos, elephants, giraffes, cats, dogs, dolphins, and scrub jays.