Neanderthal man lived through different times and ways. Our knowledge of them are limited and we can only rely on books and documentaries, etc. very much. After thorough reading of The Clan of the Cave Bear the three characteristics like of Early Man revealed in this book reflects their lifestyle and state of mind 35,000 years ago. What shaped the Neanderthal's survival and declines are their ceremonies, practices, verbal skills, and rank.
Rituals and customs practically dominated the lives of the Clansmen. Because they worshipped the Great Cave Bear, or the "Great Ursus," most of their ceremonies were addressed to him. At the time when the Clan wouldn't find a cave, Creb and the men of the clan begged Ursus to show them to a new home, and protect them from dangers whole they were homeless. Every seven years, there was a "Clan Gathering" where ten other Clans come together. This was to honor the Great Cave Bear by killing him and sending him to the "World of Spirits." This was to assure the they were saved a space in the Spirit World, and for Ursus to speak for the Clan members of their bravery and obedience.
Rituals like the Manhood Ceremony shows how Neanderthals valued and respected a boy's transition into manhood, (p.24 " he was past his 11th year and his manhood ceremony had been held.") There was also a totem and naming ceremony for young children. Without the Mog-ur's approval for an appropriate name and totem sign (the protection of an animal spirit), the child basically had no identity.
Early man's customs were overwhelming. There was the concept of "dying" which was a temporary "death" served as a punishment. When Ayla "died" (p.252), she became a "spirit." All her possessions were burned for fear of bad luck. She was sent away for one cycle of the moon. When a people die in the clan, all the members of the clan are supposed to avert their eyes and not see the spirit of the "dead" (p.
