Identifying the origins of symbolism and of linguistically structured behavior is crucial to our
nderstanding of the evolution of modern humanity. A critical survey of the archaeological
data indicates that many aspects of modern adaptation—foresight and planning, affection
and mutual assistance, and even a sence of esthetics—are clearly apparent by the Middle
Paleolithic. However, currently available evidence fails to indicate the presence of symbolic
thought or symbolic behavior before the Middle/Upper Paleolithic transition.