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Cult and Religion in the Copper Age
Besides burial sites, Copper Age communities had other holy sites for cult practices. Some of these sites are marked by tall upright stones (menhirs). It is thought that these stones represent important male and female ancestors or mythical personalities who were venerated by the living.
Religious rites were also practised at sites that called to mind the afterworld due to natural phenomena. Out of the rocky crevices of the Piglon Head in Italy blows warm air from deep within the earth which in winter rises like billows of mist.
Burnt offerings were placed at this site, presumably for the gods in the bowels of the earth.
Burnt animal bones and implements of flint and metal testify to these cult practices.
Cult practices are also expressed in the ritual placement of prestigious articles, for example metal objects, at special sites. Such items were consecrated to the gods and buried in the earth.
