The Early Cave-Men

by Katharine Elizabeth Dopp

Perhaps the child may not realize at first why the cave-men were so careful to keep the fire burning, but if the use that they made of fire is emphasized, gradually he will appreciate something of what its loss might mean to the cave-men.

[Lesson IV.] Use this lesson to help the child get the meaning of the contrast between the crude implements that the cave-men used in securing food and in protecting themselves from their enemies, and the devices that we use for a similar purpose. In spite of the great contrasts that will be discovered, the child will find points of likeness between the implements of the cave-men, rude counterparts of which he can fashion for himself, and those that are still in use. Focus his attention upon the needs of the people that called forth the mechanical inventions of the period, and the use to which they were put in making the earth a safer place in which to live. By so doing, the killing of wild beasts, which, when considered as an end in itself, arrests the development of the finer feelings by fixing attention upon suffering without any purpose, becomes transformed into an act of great social significance; for we must not forget that the cave-men, by exterminating the most dangerous of the wild beasts, made the earth a more fit dwelling place for all succeeding ages. If the child, at this early period, can learn that the hunting peoples killed only enough to supply themselves with food and skins for clothing, and that even beasts of prey rarely kill more than they need for food, they will be in a position to treat many problems in a more rational way than they are usually treated.

The modeling of Sabre-tooth in clay is suggested for the sake of cultivating the habit of observing the beauty of form and movement in animals, and turning the interest that may have been generated by the lesson into artistic channels.

[Lesson V.] No doubt the flesh of the sabre-toothed felis was not an attractive food, but in early times nearly everything was tested for food and used unless it was found to be injurious. Even though the cave-men had plenty of food, they no doubt would enjoy feasting upon the flesh of their enemy. Perhaps they believed that through eating Sabre-tooth’s flesh they might acquire something of his strength and courage.

The first cooking was undoubtedly the result of an accident. The invention was made only when man consciously controlled the process. At first, no doubt, animals were roasted in their skins, but as people began to prize skins for trophies, for clothing, and for thongs, they formed the habit of removing the skin. The fear that Sabre-tooth inspired would insure the removal of his skin for a trophy. The same is true of the sabre teeth.

Strongarm’s leadership illustrates the natural leadership of the most fit in time of danger. At other times, without doubt, there was no recognized leader.

References: Katharine E. Dopp, The Place of Industries in Elementary Education, pp. 22-27. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press. The Tree-Dwellers, pp. 115, 119-121, 156, 157. Chicago: Rand, McNally & Co.

[Lesson VI.] The manners of the cave-men at the feast may be understood when it is remembered that the food supply of hunting peoples is irregular. Their lack of forethought is such that there is either a feast or a famine. Besides, their digestive systems were so well developed that it was possible for them to eat enormous quantities without harm. The habit of eating together developed slowly and probably depended largely upon the degree to which coöperative action was used in hunting. Except upon extraordinary occasions we may conclude that only those ate together who worked together in securing food.

Encourage the child to make a collection of as many things as he can find that he can use for or make into dishes.

If the child is allowed to crack the marrow bones of a chicken or turkey and make soup of them, he will understand the liking of the cave-men for marrow bones. The conversion of bones into musical instruments played by striking, or into bone whistles, may also furnish a delightful occupation which may yield results of no mean value.