史前宗教(prehistoric religion)
从考古发现所推断之史前人类的宗教行为与信念。证实拥有死後来生之信念的最古老墓葬，可追溯至西元前30,000年至50,000年。埋葬屍体时附带诸如石制工具的物品以及部分的动物，暗示有安抚死者的尝试，或着，为他们前往下个世界作准备。旧石器时代中期提供最早的动物祭献的证据；祭献可说一直是给死者、给更高的权能者、或为了动物物种之繁殖的供品。也曾发现史前人类的祭献，且通常是女性和小孩。从青铜时代起，武器和珠宝经常作为祭献（可能是战利品的祭献）被丢入泉水、水井和其他水体。像熊这样的动物在史前宗教中相当重要；自旧石器时代晚期（Upper Paleolithic）起，可能就被视为守护的精灵，并与魔法的力量相连结。人类也行使祈求土地繁衍的仪式，如以维纳斯小雕像（Venus）为名、高度夸饰胸部与臀部的小型的肥胖女性体态。
English version：
prehistoric religion
Religious practices and beliefs of prehistoric peoples, as inferred from archaeological findings. The oldest burials that attest to a belief in life after death date from 50,000-30,000 BC. Corpses were buried with goods such as stone tools and parts of animals, suggesting an attempt to placate the dead or equip them for the next world. The Middle Paleolithic period provides the first evidence of animal sacrifices, which may have been offerings to the dead, to a higher power, or to the fertility of the animal species. Prehistoric human sacrifices have also been found, usually of women and children. From the Bronze Age on, weapons and jewelry were often thrown into springs, wells, and other bodies of water as sacrifices (probably of war booty). Animals such as bears were important in prehistoric religion from the Upper Paleolithic period on, probably seen as guardian spirits and associated with magical powers. Fertility rites were also practiced, as evidenced by small corpulent female figures known as Venus statuettes, with highly emphasized breasts and buttocks.
