Lady Sapiens

1. Lady Sapiens: Challenging prehistoric gender stereotypes

Casting off the Clichés

Outdated assumptions. For decades, prehistory was viewed through a male-dominated lens, relegating women to subordinate roles or making them invisible. This perspective was heavily influenced by 19th-century societal norms and biblical interpretations. Recent archaeological findings and interdisciplinary research have challenged these stereotypes, revealing a more nuanced and egalitarian picture of prehistoric societies.

Evolving understanding. Modern research suggests that prehistoric women were active participants in all aspects of community life, including hunting, gathering, tool-making, and artistic expression. The discovery of female burials with hunting tools and the analysis of skeletal remains indicate that women engaged in a wide range of physical activities. This new perspective emphasizes the importance of cooperation between all members of the group, regardless of gender or age, for survival and cultural development.

2. Unveiling the true face of prehistoric women

We must therefore imagine Lady Sapiens as a mixed-race beauty who still looked broadly African, with black afrotextured hair and dark skin.

Physical appearance. Contrary to popular depictions, prehistoric women in Europe retained dark skin until relatively recently. Genetic studies reveal that depigmentation evolved slowly, with light skin becoming prevalent only around 6,000 BCE. Lady Sapiens likely had dark skin, afrotextured hair, and, surprisingly, blue eyes – a combination that persisted in Western Europe until about 10,000 years ago.

Strength and stature. Archaeological evidence suggests that prehistoric women were physically strong and muscular, with little excess fat. This physique reflects their active lifestyle and diet rich in lean meats. The voluptuous Venus figurines, often assumed to represent prehistoric women's bodies, likely served symbolic or spiritual purposes rather than being accurate depictions of the female form.

3. The art of seduction and sexuality in prehistoric times

Kissing is indeed one of the most serious things in life.

Diverse expressions of affection. While the specific courtship rituals of prehistoric humans remain unknown, evidence suggests they engaged in various forms of affectionate behavior. These may have included hugging, face-rubbing, and possibly kissing, although the latter may not have been universal. Prehistoric people likely developed complex social and emotional frameworks to manage sexuality, as human reproductive cycles became less obvious due to evolutionary changes.

Artistic representations. Cave art and figurines provide insights into prehistoric attitudes towards sexuality and the body. Depictions of genitalia, sexual acts, and exaggerated female forms (Venus figurines) suggest that sexuality played a significant role in prehistoric culture and spirituality. However, interpretations of these artifacts as "pornographic" or solely male fantasies are likely anachronistic and overly simplistic.

4. Family life and the "granny revolution" in human evolution

Humans are one of the rare species to engage in 'cooperative reproduction'.

Collective child-rearing. Prehistoric humans developed a unique approach to reproduction and child-rearing, involving the entire community. This "cooperative reproduction" strategy allowed for more frequent births and increased survival rates. The extended period of human brain development after birth necessitated prolonged care and social stimulation from multiple caregivers.

The grandmother hypothesis. Post-menopausal women played a crucial role in human evolution. By providing childcare and food for their daughters' offspring, grandmothers enabled more frequent births and improved child survival rates. This "granny revolution" contributed to increased longevity and the accumulation of cultural knowledge, setting humans apart from other primates.

5. Women's crucial role in prehistoric survival and innovation

Women's contribution to the survival of the group is considerable. Among the San people, it has been shown that 75% of food intake is provided by women, while big-game hunting remains an exceptional event.

Diverse skill set. Prehistoric women were versatile and essential contributors to their communities. They engaged in:

• Gathering plants for food and medicine
• Fishing and hunting small game
• Processing animal hides
• Creating textiles and baskets
• Developing early forms of agriculture

Technological advancements. Women likely played significant roles in key innovations:

• Developing plant-based medicines and treatments
• Pioneering food processing techniques, including grinding grains
• Creating and improving clothing and shelter materials
• Contributing to the development of pottery and other crafts

Their expertise in plant use and food preparation may have been crucial in driving human cognitive evolution through improved nutrition.

6. Female power and leadership in hunter-gatherer societies

Hunter-gatherer societies are relatively egalitarian. It's often inappropriate to talk about a 'leader', even if there are individuals who become essential because of their talents as hunters or their ability to resolve conflicts within the group. A woman could certainly have held such a position.

Egalitarian structures. Prehistoric hunter-gatherer societies were likely more egalitarian than previously assumed. Leadership and status were often based on individual skills and contributions rather than gender. Women could attain positions of influence through their expertise in areas such as plant knowledge, healing, or conflict resolution.

Evidence of female importance. Archaeological findings support the high status of some prehistoric women:

• Elaborate female burials with exotic goods and ornaments
• Representation of women in art and figurines
• Indications of female participation in rituals and spiritual practices

While there's no concrete evidence of widespread matriarchy, these discoveries suggest that women could hold significant power and respect within their communities.

7. The spiritual and healing influence of prehistoric women

Plants form the basis of many treatments, from the first moisturisers to antiseptics essential for surviving infection.

Healing knowledge. Women's expertise in plant gathering likely extended to medicinal use. Evidence suggests prehistoric people used various plants for healing purposes:

• Pain relief (e.g., aspirin from poplar buds)
• Treating infections and wounds
• Addressing digestive and respiratory issues
• Possibly regulating fertility

Spiritual roles. While often overlooked, women may have played important spiritual roles in prehistoric societies:

• Potential female shamans or healers
• Creation and use of Venus figurines in rituals or as talismans
• Possible involvement in cave art and other spiritual practices

The connection between women, fertility, and nature may have influenced early forms of spirituality, though interpreting prehistoric beliefs remains challenging due to lack of direct evidence.

Last updated: August 11, 2024