Minimal Rituals in Non-Human Great Apes: Exploring the Emergence of Structured Behavior

Dr. M. Alvarez, Prof. J. P. de Vries

Abstract:

The potential for rituals in non-human great apes (apes) is an understudied topic. We derive a
minimal definition of ritual, and then examine the currently available evidence for it in
untrained and non-enculturated apes. First, we examine whether such apes show evidence for
the two main components of our minimal definition of ritual: symbolism and copying.
Second, we examine if there are actual cases already identifiable today that may fit all aspects
of our minimal definition of ritual – or whether there are at least cases that fit some aspects
(proto-ritual). We find that apes are not likely to spontaneously practice minimal ritual, but
we claim that the highest expected likelihood of occurrence is in the results-copying domain.
Yet, we did not find actual cases of minimal ritual in apes – including those involving
environmental results. We did, however, find some cases that may match at least part of our
minimal ritual definition – which we termed proto-ritual. At least two out of three potential
cases of such proto-rituals that we identified (rain dance, object-in-ear and surplus nest
making procedures) do revolve around results. Overall, apes do not show much, or very clear,
evidence for even minimal ritual, but may sometimes show proto-ritual. However, dedicated
ape ritual studies are currently lacking, and future work may identify ape ritual (or clearer
cases of proto-ritual). We discuss the implications of our preliminary finding for inferences of
ritual in the last common ancestor of humans and apes.