Is Palaeolithic cave art consistent with costly signalling theory? Lascaux as a test case

Gittins, Rhiannon; Pettitt, Paul

Abstract

Several proponents of costly signalling theory (CST) have noted its potential for understanding prehistoric art. We use the Late Upper Palaeolithic art of Lascaux Cave (Dordogne, France) as a test case as to whether we may be able to identify an assertive, individual style in Palaeolithic art. The cave’s abundant images represent one of the most stunning examples of European Upper Palaeolithic cave art and, in terms of the material provisioning of the cave, demonstrable artistic skill, and difficulties accessing decorated areas, it represented a huge cost to its hunter-gatherer creators. But does it represent group cost or can any CST element be identified? We approach this question using several characteristics we regard as central to costly signalling, and explore the various ways by which this occurred within the cave. We conclude that it is best viewed as a group signal, and that no CST component can be identified.

Citation

Gittins, R., & Pettitt, P. (2017). Is Palaeolithic cave art consistent with costly signalling theory? Lascaux as a test case. World Archaeology, 49(4), 466-490. https://doi.org/10.1080/00438243.2017.1386590

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Online Publication Date: Oct 20, 2017
• Publication Date: 2017
• Deposit Date: Oct 26, 2017
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 20, 2019
• Journal: World Archaeology
• Print ISSN: 0043-8243
• Electronic ISSN: 1470-1375
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis Group
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 49
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 466-490
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00438243.2017.1386590
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1341804