The book represents the first experience in Russian literature of a comprehensive analysis of the problem of the formation of sign behavior. A definition of the specifics of sign behavior as a cultural phenomenon is given and the genesis of those types of activities, the essence of which is the creation and use of signs, and, above all, signs-symbols, is considered. Particular attention is paid to the issues of the origin of language and those numerous forms of sign behavior, which in modern culture are usually united by the concept of “art”. The discussion of special issues is preceded by brief summaries of the latest data on human evolution and the development of culture in the Paleolithic era (ancient Stone Age). The work was written by professional archaeologists and is based mainly on archaeological materials, but data from physical anthropology, zoopsychology and developmental psychology also occupy an important place in it. The presentation is presented in a form accessible to non-specialists, thanks to which the book may be of interest to a wide range of educated readers who are not indifferent to general issues of humanitarian knowledge