The Origins of Religion

The Mesolithic societies of North-East England were nomadic hunters and gatherers. They moved across the landscape exploiting the natural resources available to them. Because of their constant shifting, they have left only a relatively slight archaeological record, and we can mostly only recognise their presence through the small flint tools they used. We only have a very limited evidence for their small, temporary settlements, although a relatively well preserved Mesolithic shelter has been excavated at Low Hauxley on the coast of Northumberland.

As a consequence of their limited archaeological record, it is very hard for archaeologists to draw conclusions about their religious beliefs. However, we can use anthropological research on more modern hunter-gatherer societies to gain some insight into how such cultures saw the wider world. These relatively egalitarian societies often tend to have small-scale rituals, rarely constructing permanent temples or religious structures. Instead, natural features, such as springs, mountains or other important or impressive landscape features might be endowed with spiritual significance. As wild animals and plants would vary in abundance over the year, and may shift and spread through the countryside on a seasonal basis, this could often form an important part of ritual life. At times of abundance, smaller social groups might come together as larger communities – and often ritual activities might be an important feature of such meetings, alongside feasting and other festivities.

Many hunter-gatherer societies were shamanistic in nature. Shamans were religious specialists who it was believed had particular skills in communicating directly with a range of spirits including those of ancestral groups, natural divinities and the spirits of prey animals. By using trances, often invoked by drumming or consumption of natural narcotics, they would enter states of altered consciousness which they believed allowed them particular access to these spirits. These rites were often linked closely to practices intended to ensure good luck and success in hunting.