Abstract:

Cultural evolution requires appropriate transmission strategies. While previous studies have examined the cognitive demands of learning and teaching as well as social learning strategies, limited attention has been paid to the behavioural aspects involved in transmission of cultural traits emerging between 3,2 million and 10,000 years ago. We have investigated the behavioural transmission dynamics of 103 Palaeolithic cultural traits using the theoretical grid proposed by d’Errico and Banks (2015). We constructed a comprehensive database in which, for each cultural trait, a score (0 to 4) was assigned to each transmission behaviour in the spatial, temporal and social dimensions. Statistical analyses reveals a clear evolutionary pattern characterised by (a) an initial phase dominated by simple transmission behaviours, (b) a transitional ‘search phase’ in which simple and complex transmission behaviours coexist and interact, and (c) a final stage with complex transmission behaviours becoming widespread. Our findings also identify: 1) a gradual increase in overt communication; 2) a progressive temporal structuring of cultural transmission; 3) a slow development of division of labour. They also suggest that modern language emerged gradually as a key transmission behaviour between 600,000 to 200,000 years ago.

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