In the rural Alentejo region of Portugal, an excavation at a Chalcolithic settlement has revealed hundreds of schist-carved cicada figurines buried in a circular pattern around a central hearth. These artifacts, dating to approximately 2500 BCE, are believed to be part of a prehistoric "Festival of the First Song," celebrating the emergence of cicadas as a herald of the high summer and harvest cycles.
Each figurine shows remarkable detail, with etched wings and specialized notches that suggest they may have been worn as amulets or attached to ceremonial garments. This discovery highlights the deep ecological roots of Iberian cultural heritage, showing how ancient communities synchronized their ritual calendars with specific entomological events to ensure the success of their agricultural yields.