Final answer:
The earliest evidence for symbolism in humans is found in engraved ochre from the Blombos Cave in South Africa and cave paintings in Chauvet cave in France. The Aurignacian culture in Europe also provides evidence of symbolic representation through sculptures and carvings.
Step-by-step explanation:
The earliest evidence for symbolism in a human population can be found in various archaeological sites. One of the significant findings is the engraved ochre from the Blombos Cave in South Africa, which suggests that early Homo sapiens were capable of symbolic art. Another example is the cave paintings in Chauvet cave in France, where artists depicted animals along with abstract symbols, indicating a supernatural belief system.
Furthermore, the Aurignacian culture of the Upper Paleolithic period in Europe provides more evidence of symbolic representation. Archaeological discoveries in caves such as Hohle Fels in Germany revealed sculptures and carvings, including a 35,000-year-old female figure carved out of mammoth ivory.