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What is Paleophenomenology? Exploring a New Approach to Prehistory

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What do you think was the very first thing a Neandethal was aware of?


Paleophenomenology is a framework I’ve developed that seeks to answer this question by merging archaeology, anthropology, phenomenology, alchemy, shamanism and Jungian thought. It offers a way to engage with ancient human experience through the traces left behind, such as rock art and landscapes, and more. But what exactly does this mean? 

Here, my desire is to introduce paleophenomenology, explain how it connects fields like archaeology and analysis, and show why I believe that a rhizomatic approach is a powerful tool for understanding the origins of human consciousness.


 

At its core, paleophenomenology is an interdisciplinary approach to understanding ancient human consciousness and creativity. By blending methods from phenomenology [the study of subjective experience], anthropology, archaeology, and Jungian psychology, paleophenomenology offers a holistic way of engaging with prehistory.  

While traditional archaeology focuses on material remains and the delineation of the Space providing me with a sense of deep respect and the Ethics for approaching ancient sites, paleophenomenology goes further, seeking to understand the lived experience of early humans, the meaning they found in their surroundings, and the impulses that drove them to engage with materials, manipulate them, create and leave their mark on the world.


Anthropology grounds paleophenomenology in the study of early human cultures, while archaeology provides the material evidence — rock art, tools, and dwellings — that we analyse to reconstruct those experiences. Anthropology places the People in the Space and then phenomenology allows Me to enter that space, and to explore my own subjective experience while trying to relate to how ancient humans might have perceived their world. Instead of just looking at artefacts, it’s about asking ‘What was it like to live in that space, to make that tool, to create that art?’ By focusing on lived experience, we can gain insights into their awareness and consciousness.

Material Culture and studies on artistic practices then place Me-as-the-Artist in that Space: is this art a reflection of uncertainty? Am I exploring the art of being present? Am I engaging with the Invisible that I have just been aware of?

Jung’s concept of the collective unconscious and archetypal symbols ties perfectly with the studies of phenomenology of a landscape and shamanic practices: how do we experience ancient creativity? Paleophenomenology asks: ‘How did early humans connect with these spaces and practice? And how does this tie into the development of human consciousness and the emergence of the awareness of a subconscious?

 

Rock art plays a central role in paleophenomenology. These marks left by early humans were not just decorative; they were expressions of awareness, creativity, and the first glimmers of self-consciousness. By studying these ancient artworks, we glimpse how humans began to perceive themselves in relation to the world around them, how they placed themselves in the Space. In paleophenomenology, the focus is not on what these symbols represent but rather we look at the impulse to create them. What drove early humans to leave these marks, and what does that tell us about their emerging sense of self?

 

Paleophenomenology isn’t just about the past — I believe it can have important implications for modern consciousness studies. By understanding how consciousness emerged in ancient times, we can better appreciate the complexity of the human mind today, especially when considering experiences of a hightened sense of awareness. My hope is that this approach bridges the gap between past and present, linking our earliest ancestors to modern philosophical and psychological debates. 


'What does it mean to create? Why do humans feel the need to leave a mark on the world?' These questions aren’t confined to the prehistoric era — they’re still relevant today, from artistic expression to our digital footprint.


 

My hope is that paleophenomenology offers a fresh way of understanding early humans — not just through the material remains they left behind, but through their lived experiences, creative impulses, and emerging consciousness. By blending phenomenology, anthropology, archaeology, and Jungian psychology, this approach allows us to dive deeper into the mysteries of human existence.


As I explore paleophenomenology in my PhD journey, I invite you to think about what it means to create, to experience, and to understand ourselves through the lens of the past. 


If you’re curious to learn more about paleophenomenology, make sure to subscribe for updates!


But now, it's about you: what do you think was the first thing you were aware of?


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