From the African Savannah to the Depths of Paleolithic Caves
We came back home a few months ago, and something still rumbles in our mind. These months spent in the savannah began to melt with all the past archaeological environments we experienced, in Europe as in South America. If humanity evolved in Africa and remained there for most of its history, it is likely that many aspects of our perception, symbolic thought, and artistic expression were first shaped by African landscapes and environments. That said, we perfectly remember that moment, in the Serengeti plain at sunset, when the landscape changes psychologically.
The light lowers. Shapes become uncertain. Sounds begin to dominate vision. A distant cry, the movement of grass, the silhouette of an animal emerging from shadow. Inside the jeep, or in our tent, protected by some sort of modern technology, one still feels vulnerable.
And suddenly a question emerges:
What did it mean to be human before humans stood at the top of the food chain?
This reflection accompanied us throughout our months in Tanzania. Not only while crossing the Parks or observing lions resting near migrating herds, but especially while thinking about the deeper connection between African prehistoric landscapes and the Paleolithic caves we have explored and discussed in previous Arkeomount journeys across Europe.
Fear becomes part of the landscape itself, a constant presence accompanying the day — and the night, when it turns almost into something tangible.
I will never forget being woken up in the middle of the night by a large animal passing close to my tent. It was around 3 or 4 a.m. Once awake, I remained completely still for at least an hour, trying to understand where the threat was, and whether I should shout to wake the rest of the family.
The next morning, our local guide told me it had been a hippopotamus, and its tracks were clearly visible just behind the tent.
A hippo!!! — one of the largest and most dangerous animals of the savannah.
Just to confirm that probably fear — more than intelligence alone — shaped human consciousness.