The artifacts of Homo sapiens sapiens are at first indistinuishable from Neanderthal (Mousterian) tools. Soon thereafter, however, they evolve into far more sophisticated forms than any which preceded them, and henceforth the tool kit shows a tendency to change fairly rapidly over time. Above, an artist has imagined how this increasingly complex cultural information was passed on to subsequent generations: hunters prepare stone tools as a young boy looks on, acquiring the technology of his people.

The bone needles on the right are evidence of sewn clothing. The elaborately carved bone batons (left and center) found all over Europe are somewhat of a mystery whose function is not clear; these strange cultural objects are usually fashioned from reindeer antler and elaborately decorated. They may have been insignia of command, like a mace or an officer's baton--hence the name.

The necklace at far right contains the claws and teeth of cave bear and the teeth of a lion. Human beings are probably unique in their response to predators--the animals which prey upon them: humans actively seek out and attack feared predators and attempt to magically appropriate their powers by consuming their flesh or adorning themselves with symbols of their strength.