Brain Disorder and Rock Art

Bibliographic Data

ID6044342
AuthorsR G Bednarik (0000-0002-6388-0725, corresponding author)
Year2013
Volume23
Issue1
Pages69-81
Publication date2013-02-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueCambridge Archaeological Journal (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0959-7743 • E-ISSN: 1474-0540
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/s095977431300005x
OpenAlexW2165714978
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited35

Prompted by numerous endeavours to link a variety of brain illnesses/conditions with the introduction of palaeoart, especially rock art, the author reviews these proposals in the light of the causes of these psychiatric conditions. Several of these proposals are linked to the assumption that palaeoart was introduced through shamanism. It is demonstrated that there is no simplistic link between shamanism and brain disorders, although it is possible that some of the relevant susceptibility alleles might be involved in some shamanic experiences. Similarly, no connection between rock art and shamanism has been credibly demonstrated. Moreover, the time frame applied in all these hypotheses is fallacious for several reasons. These notions are all based on the belief that palaeoart was introduced by ‘anatomically modern humans’ and on the replacement hypothesis. Finally, the assumption that neuropathologies and shamanism preceded the advent of palaeoart is also suspect. These numerous speculations derive from neglect of the relevant empirical factors, be they archaeological or neurological

Archaeology · Criminology · Epistemology · Neglect · Psychiatry · Rock art · Shamanism · Suspect · Action Observation and Synchronization · Computer Science · Face Recognition and Perception · History · Philosophy · Psychology · Psychosomatic Disorders and Their Treatments · Artificial Intelligence

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