Human-animal relationships in prehistory represent a profound and complex aspect of ancient life, shaping not only the survival strategies and daily activities of early humans but also their cultural beliefs, artistic expressions, and social structures. From the earliest interactions of Paleolithic hunter-gatherers with wild animals to the domestication and symbolic significance of animals in Neolithic societies, the relationship between humans and animals in prehistory offers valuable insights into the development of human societies and the evolution of our shared environment.
The Paleolithic era, spanning from about 2.6 million years ago to around 10,000 BCE, was characterized by the nomadic lifestyle of hunter-gatherer societies, who relied on hunting, fishing, and gathering wild plants for survival. During this time, human-animal relationships were fundamental to the daily lives and survival strategies of early humans, as they interacted with a wide range of animal species for food, clothing, tools, and shelter.
One of the key aspects of human-animal relationships in the Paleolithic era was hunting, which involved the pursuit and capture of wild animals for meat, hides, bones, and other resources. Early humans developed sophisticated hunting techniques and strategies, such as cooperative hunting, stalking, trapping, and using tools such as spears, bows, and traps to secure prey. The success of hunting expeditions relied on intimate knowledge of animal behavior, migration patterns, and ecological dynamics, as well as teamwork and cooperation among group members.
Archaeological evidence, such as cave paintings, rock art, and bone tools, provides insights into the importance of hunting and animal symbolism in Paleolithic societies. Cave paintings, such as those found in the Lascaux caves in France and the Altamira caves in Spain, depict scenes of hunting, animals, and human-animal interactions, showcasing the artistic skills and cultural significance of animals in ancient art. Bone tools, such as spear points, harpoons, and needles made from animal bones, demonstrate the use of animal resources for toolmaking and craft production.
In addition to hunting, early humans also engaged in fishing and gathering activities, relying on aquatic resources such as fish, shellfish, and waterfowl for food, tools, and materials. Coastal and riverine environments provided abundant sources of aquatic life, which early humans exploited using fishing nets, hooks, harpoons, and traps. The development of watercraft, such as rafts, canoes, and boats, enabled ancient mariners to navigate waterways, explore new territories, and engage in maritime activities such as fishing, trade, and exploration.
The Mesolithic period, following the end of the last Ice Age around 10,000 BCE, witnessed the continuation of hunter-gatherer lifestyles and the further development of human-animal relationships. During this time, early humans diversified their subsistence strategies and adapted to changing environmental conditions, incorporating a wider range of plant and animal resources into their diets and economies.
One of the notable developments of the Mesolithic period was the domestication of dogs, which began around 15,000 BCE and marked the beginning of human-animal partnerships for purposes other than hunting. Dogs, descended from wolves, were domesticated by early humans for companionship, protection, herding, and hunting assistance. The close bond between humans and dogs is evidenced by archaeological finds of dog burials, grave goods, and depictions in art, highlighting the special role of dogs in ancient societies.
The Neolithic era, starting around 10,000 BCE, brought about significant changes in human-animal relationships with the advent of agriculture, animal domestication, and sedentary settlement patterns. The domestication of plants such as wheat, barley, rice, and maize led to the establishment of agricultural communities, where humans began to cultivate crops and raise domesticated animals for food, labor, and other purposes.
Animal domestication was a transformative process that involved selective breeding, taming, and management of wild species to adapt them to human environments and needs. The domestication of animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and chickens provided a reliable source of meat, milk, eggs, wool, leather, and labor for early farmers, enabling the development of settled societies, surplus food production, and specialized economic activities.
The close relationship between humans and domesticated animals in Neolithic societies is evidenced by archaeological remains, such as animal bones, pens, stables, and corrals found at ancient settlements and agricultural sites. The integration of animals into agricultural practices, such as plowing, planting, harvesting, and transportation, enhanced productivity and efficiency, while the use of animal byproducts for tools, clothing, and trade contributed to economic diversification and social complexity.
In addition to their practical contributions, domesticated animals also held symbolic and cultural significance in ancient societies, as reflected in religious beliefs, rituals, and artistic representations. Many ancient cultures worshipped animal deities and spirits, attributing divine qualities and powers to certain animals and incorporating them into religious ceremonies, myths, and cosmologies.
The symbolism of animals in ancient art and mythology is evident in the depictions of animal-headed gods and goddesses, animal motifs in pottery, textiles, and jewelry, and animal-themed stories, fables, and legends passed down through oral traditions. Animals such as bulls, lions, eagles, snakes, and serpents were often associated with strength, fertility, protection, wisdom, and supernatural forces, representing aspects of nature and human experience.
One of the most iconic examples of human-animal relationships in ancient art and mythology is found in ancient Egypt, where animals such as the cat, ibis, crocodile, and falcon were revered as sacred symbols and manifestations of gods and goddesses. The Egyptian pantheon included animal-headed deities such as Bastet (cat), Thoth (ibis), Sobek (crocodile), and Horus (falcon), who were worshipped in temples, honored with offerings, and depicted in hieroglyphs, statues, and reliefs.
In ancient Mesopotamia, animals such as the bull, lion, eagle, and serpent were also revered as symbols of power, protection, and divinity, depicted in art, architecture, and religious iconography. The Sumerian, Akkadian, and Babylonian pantheons included deities such as Nanna (bull), Ishtar (lion), Anzu (eagle), and Ningishzida (serpent), who were associated with cosmic forces, fertility, warfare, and the afterlife.
The Mesoamerican civilizations of the Maya, Aztec, and Olmec also had rich traditions of animal symbolism and worship, with animals such as the jaguar, serpent, eagle, and monkey playing prominent roles in religious beliefs, rituals, and art. The Maya, for example, associated the jaguar with power, royalty, and the underworld, depicting jaguar gods in stone sculptures, murals, and ceramics found at archaeological sites such as Tikal, Copan, and Chichen Itza.