The timing on that page is sort of funny. You just realize this yarn is attributed to "Science" then the pop up from the DNC appears. The yarn is talored to attract the most likely to be impressed. The actuall research admits there is another point of view. "Some researchers prefer the hypothesis that these prehistoric patterns are highly abstract representations of normal perceptual experience rather than direct expressions of abnormal hallucinatory experience." What seems to be happening more and more is people have to work hard these days to learn to use their standard complement of facilities without relying on ingesting substances that stimulate and/or debilitate. An altered mind may come up with visions of polka dot horse turds and be pleased with the contribution. An unaltered mind may take a little longer to come up with something much more useful or beautiful.
I'm sure most paleo-anthropologists (or whatever they're called) would be acknowledging anything Jean Auel got right only through gritted teeth with a gun to their heads. "Remember that part where they washed their hair with deer urine then had rapey sex? That actually happened."
I remember her being at the U of O bookstore right before Christmas break sitting at a table autographing books every year. "Hey kids my books would be the perfect Christmas present for your parents."
