Hypoxia in Paleolithic decorated caves: the use of artificial light in deep caves reduces oxygen concentration and induces altered states of consciousness
Yafit Kedar, Gil Kedar, R. Barkai
March 31, 2021 DOI: 10.1080/1751696x.2021.1903177 via Semantic Scholar
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA novel hypothesis proposes that Upper Paleolithic humans deliberately entered and decorated deep, dark caves because the oxygen-depleted environment induced altered states of consciousness. Simulations of torch use in cave-like structures showed oxygen quickly dropped to levels that cause hypoxia, which increases dopamine release and can produce hallucinations and out-of-body experiences. The authors argue that entering these spaces was a conscious choice, informed by indigenous world views that understood the transformative power of underground, oxygen-depleted spaces. The cave was seen as a liminal space and ontological arena for maintaining cosmic connectedness. The caves' significance preceded their decoration, not the other way around.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Art Environmental science |
| Key finding | Oxygen depletion in deep caves from torch use likely induced hypoxia, causing hallucinations and out-of-body experiences, which motivated Upper Paleolithic humans to decorate these spaces. |
Abstract
ABSTRACT In this paper, we present a novel hypothesis as to what led humans in the Upper Paleolithic to penetrate and decorate deep, dark caves. Many of the depictions in these caves are located in halls or narrow passages deep in the interior, navigable only with artificial light. We simulated the effect of torches on oxygen concentrations in structures similar to Paleolithic decorated caves and showed that the oxygen quickly decreased to levels known to induce a state of hypoxia. Hypoxia increases the release of dopamine in the brain, resulting in hallucinations and out-of-body experiences. We discuss the significance of caves in indigenous world views and contend that entering these deep, dark environments was a conscious choice, motivated by an understanding of the transformative nature of an underground, oxygen-depleted space. The cave environment was conceived as both a liminal space and an ontological arena, allowing early humans to maintain their connectedness with the cosmos. It was not the decoration that rendered the caves significant; rather, the significance of the chosen caves was the reason for their decoration.