An evaluation of upper paleolithic cave art in psychological, sociological and archaeological contexts in the search for the origins of language

This thesis explores the origins of human language through a multidisciplinary analysis of Upper Paleolithic cave art, considering psychological, sociological, and archaeological perspectives. The central aim is to interpret cave art not merely as an aesthetic expression but as a complex symbolic system that reflects the evolution of language, human cognition, and early social structures. The introduction outlines the evolutionary journey of the human mind and its capacity for symbolic expression through prehistoric art. The first chapter investigates the biological and cultural foundations of language and art, focusing on the evolution of the Homo genus, the role of the Broca area and the FOXP2 gene, and the transition from gesture-based to vocal communication. The second chapter traces the development from portable symbolic objects to cave paintings and argues that cave art functioned as an early form of visual language. The third chapter provides a contextual analysis of cave art, exploring its archaeological settings, sociological meanings, and psychological dimensions. Themes such as collective production, ritual behavior, mythological thinking, and individual creativity are examined to highlight the broader cultural functions of art. The fourth chapter synthesizes these findings to discuss the contribution of cave art to the evolution of symbolic language, emphasizing the transition from visual to verbal communication. In conclusion, cave art is interpreted as a visual language that expresses both individual experience and collective memory, reflecting the cognitive, social, and symbolic development of early humans. This study positions prehistoric art as a foundational medium for understanding the origins of language within an integrated cognitive and cultural framework.