We individually project our psyche into the cosmos, in all of the animal beings and geological and meteorological formations that are encountered. Were these archetypal characters and the stories behind the faces of mankind projected as well? Consider the evidence in Before Orion with author and naturalist Bernie Taylor.

An archetypal teacher speaks into the ear of his wide-eyed and amazed apprentice on the Gallery of Discs in the El Castillo Cave, Cantabria, Spain. What story does he share? These characters are the oldest known effigies of males by approximately 10,000 years. Explore more intriguing images on the Gallery of Discs.

The Paleolithic cave artist depicted a female caricature with pursed lips, worrisome eyes and a raised forehead on the Gallery of Discs in the El Castillo Cave, Cantabria, Spain. This woman with her braided red hair is the oldest known effigy of a female by approximately 10,000 years. Discover her story on the Gallery of Discs.

Janus figure of a bearded and bald Homo sapiens and an unknown character – Man X on the Gorham’s Etching in Gorham’s Cave Gibraltar. Is Man X a Neanderthal or another being? Whose hand scaled this image?

Raptor-masked teacher speaking to his apprentice on the Gorham’s Etching in Gorham’s Cave, Gibraltar. An attentive elderly woman is behind his right shoulder. An unusual character is placed below their interlocking shoulders. What other ideas are the artist projecting?