This is the thing. I don't understand where that interpretation of ancient culture comes from (except Victorian attitudes, of course).
These are biologically modern humans we're talking about. They're as smart as us, as curious as us. They have a working knowledge of crafts that would put modern artisans to shame. They make beautiful, intricate, functional items. For instance, they understand the movement of the stars well enough to make a functional calendar.
Why do we assume that they're irrational and ritualistic? What evidence do we have for that?
What evidence do we have that they can't make a distinction between the natural and the supernatural?
And yes, I think interpreting everything we don't understand the purpose of as "ritualistic" is not only wrong, it's actually harming our understanding of these people.
These are biologically modern humans we're talking about. They're as smart as us, as curious as us. They have a working knowledge of crafts that would put modern artisans to shame. They make beautiful, intricate, functional items. For instance, they understand the movement of the stars well enough to make a functional calendar.
Why do we assume that they're irrational and ritualistic? What evidence do we have for that?
What evidence do we have that they can't make a distinction between the natural and the supernatural?
And yes, I think interpreting everything we don't understand the purpose of as "ritualistic" is not only wrong, it's actually harming our understanding of these people.