Ritual: Primary mechanism of cooperation Ritual is widespread in the animal kingdom where cautious communication is required Deep evolutionary history

Primate social rituals As highly social creatures primates have a wealth of social rituals

Purposes of ritual: social signaling: Stotting among antelope; Thrice daily prayer among Orthodox Jews group cohesion: grooming in primates; initiation rites among traditional societies, modern social groups (fraternities); Coordinated actions produce greater with-in group cooperation. hazard avoidance: ritualized behaviors increase at social “stress” or transition points. Submission, appeasement, tolerance, reconciliation gestures among primates. Bell (1997, p. 160) If ritual had a voice it would say: “This is different, deliberate, and significant—pay attention!” It is the unparallel capacity to send and heed ritual’s message that sets humans apart from other animals Eventually for humans: Ritual imposes meaning on life, supersedes life itself (biology). Ex: Biology controls maturation but ritual defines adulthood. Biology controls birth, death, mating, illness, etc; but rituals imposes structure, meaning, legitimacy, etc. on all. Ritual is larger than life

Social rituals in traditional societies 3 types – Rituals of trust-building and reconciliation – Rituals of initiation – Shamanistic healing rituals – 3 points: models for the past; cognitively demanding; fitness enhancing – Good analogy: graduation ceremony, ritual demands of larger group vs. kin biased inclinations

Peacemaking and reconciliation Ammassalik drum match Yanamamo truce ritual Those more able to make peace gained a fitness advantage through increased access to resources via reciprocal exchange alliances

Rituals of initiation 70% of traditional societies have adolescent rites of initiation. Severity increases with the harshness of living conditions Those more able to endure demanding rituals gained a fitness advantage through status and prestige Intense, high ordeal rituals lead to stronger emotional attachment to group; greater in- group generosity

Shamanistic healing rituals Shamanism is ubiquitous among traditional societies Ritual healing practices involving ASC are effective for a range of maladies

Evolution of ritual Milestones: 3mybp: birthing big-headed babies (from DeSilva, 2010)

Evolution of ritual Losing hair: 3mybp-1.2mybp Host switch of body louse Pthirus from gorilla to human (from Reed et al, 2007) Mutation in gene melanocortin i receptor (MCiR) Making ‘dangerous’ handaxes:.5myp Composite tools:.3mybp Control of fire: 200,000 Trade, global migration: 70,000 ybp Inter-group marriage Increasing social differentiation – emerging social norms

Red Ochre Rituals First appears in archaeological record ybp Ubiquitous in female initiation rituals S. African traditional societies Female Cosmetics Coalition hypo – females bonded together for resourcing of infants, first “true” rituals Encephalization: two steps, 700,000 and 200,000 ybp, Neanderthals later, 70,000ybp Second step critical for pair-bonding

Red ochre in Africa vs. Europe

Migrations and Seasonality