Page 67 - Flipping book The Adam Paradox Hypothesis - Second Edition.pdf
P. 67
The Ādam Paradox Hypothesis
44
Strand Three: Roads Out — The Migrations That Carried Symbols
The Out-of-Africa Dispersal (~70–50 ka)
Genetic evidence (mtDNA, Y-chromosome) suggests a major dispersal of
humans out of Africa between ~70–50 ka (Reich et al., 2011). These migrants
were the ancestors of all non-Africans today.
By ~65 ka, humans reached Australia (Clarkson et al., 2017). By ~45 ka,
Europe (Conard, 2009). By ~15 ka, the Americas.
This dispersal coincides with the symbolic explosion: beads, burials, cave art,
musical instruments.
The Role of Symbolism in Survival
Symbolic culture may have been crucial for survival during dispersal:
Myth and ritual bound groups together across distances.
Symbolic communication enabled alliances, trade, and coordination.
Art and ornament reinforced identity in hostile lands.
Mithen argued:
“Symbolism was not an ornament to survival but a precondition of it. The
symbolic mind made long-distance dispersals possible.
” (Mithen, 1996, p. 168)
Table 6.3 — Roads Out of Africa
