Testing the art as adaptation hypothesis through artistic practice and reproductive success in Papua woodcarvers.

ABSTRACT: Archaeological studies provide evidence that art was a well-established activity among Homo sapiens as early as 50,000 to 75,000 years ago. Today, people continue to spontaneously create artistic works from an early age, and some master artistic skills with such proficiency that they become known as artists. Considering the ubiquitous nature of art, many evolutionary-oriented scholars have pondered the potential role of art, proposing the 'art as an adaptation hypothesis', according to which art serves social functions that promote the survival and reproductive success of individuals. Surprisingly, very few attempts have been made to verify this hypothesis empirically. Here, we addressed this issue, investigating whether art can be an adaptation: that is, whether it can increase the reprod

SUBMITTER: Sorokowski P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12214525 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature