Archaeology at the intersection between cognitive neuroscience, performance theory, and architecture: from psychoactive substances to rock art and bone shelters

Abstract

We are pleased to present a collection of stimulating research papers that delve into various realms of scientific inquiry, shedding new light on captivating subjects. In this issue, we embark on a journey that spans the enigmatic presence of a mushroom cult in the Southern Levant, ancient divination practices, rock art research, and the symbolic significance of prehistoric architecture. These papers demonstrate the diversity and richness of scientific exploration and offer fresh perspectives on usually underexplored topics. Estelle Orrelle opens our exploration with a thought-provoking analysis titled ‘Identifying Iconographic Evidence for a Mushroom Cult in the Preliterate Southern Levant’. Orrelle traces iconographic evidence from late Holocene cultures to the Early Bronze Age in Southern Levant, suggesting the veneration of psychedelic substances and their integration into the iconography of material items. With a focus on rock art found in the Negev and Sinai deserts in Israel, this research highlights the symbiotic relationship between humans, ibex, and the cultivation and collection of mushrooms, offering insights into the intricate beliefs and practices of prehistoric societies. Along the same lines, Giulia Frigerio’s paper titled ‘Apolline Divination: Hallucinogenic Substances or Cognitive Inputs? The Case of the Laurel’ reiterates the fundamental role played by psychoactive drugs in ancient societies but also points the way to an emerging research field. The use of laurel in Apolline divination has long been a subject of scholarly debate regarding the potential influence of hallucinogenic substances on oracles in classical Greece. Through meticulous research, Frigerio challenges the prevailing notion of chemical alterations and instead argues for the cognitive impact of laurel in influencing the Pythia’s mind during divinatory practices. This cognitive approach takes into account the object affordances and the human neural response, ultimately highlighting the profound impact of laurel on divination. The potential of applying cognitive analysis to gain a better understanding of production and consumption of cave art lies at the core of David M. Witelson's contribution titled ‘Performance Theory: A Growing Interest in Rock Art Research.’ Witelson aptly points out the surprising lack of awareness among researchers regarding their colleagues’ work within this sub-discipline. By exploring the intersections between rock TIME AND MIND 2022, VOL. 15, NOS. 3–4, 275–276 https://doi.org/10.1080/1751696X.2022.2225290