Spirituality and cultural identity in the Middle-Upper Palaeolithic transition in the Balkans

In this work direct evidence is presented about spirituality in the late Middle and early Upper Palaeolithic in the Balkans: engraved and perforated objects of bone and artifacts of rock crystal but also all indicators that bear witness to cultural identity of Middle and Upper Palaeolithic communities and their interrelations. Within Neanderthal communities graphic expression, aesthetic feelings and high level of technical intelligence are ascertained. Development of the Upper Palaeolithic on local foundations and social integration of local communities occurred only after 40,000 years ago, by all appearances after contact with bearers of Upper Palaeolithic cultures. This is confirmed by exchange of raw materials at larger distances and emergence of leaf-shaped points in the Bohunician and Aurignacian. It is assumed that the Upper Palaeolithic in the Balkans spread along main natural communications and was followed by withdrawal of the Middle Palaeolithic population in the isolated mountainous regions of the peninsula. There are indications that between local communities and bearers of Upper Palaeolithic cultures existed not only economic and territorial, but also social and ideological competition based on the need of communities to establish and impose their own identity. This phenomenon could have influenced the establishment of stylistically discernible Upper Palaeolithic cultures (regardless of their bearers) and indirectly also the emergence of Upper Palaeolithic art.