ABSTRACT
The invention of symbolism was a crucial moment in the history of the human species. The ability to use symbols indicates an ability to think abstractly; when such symbols are created with artistic intent, they indicate the ability to appreciate “beauty.” Recently archeologists have discovered two ochre ornaments, engraved with geometrical symbols, at Blombos Cave in South Africa. These artifacts are more than 40,000 years older than the more advanced cave paintings found in France’s Grotte Chauvet (McFarling 2002: A1). These symbolic expressions are precursors to more complex representations found once social organization reached a more advanced phase.
