Paint was used to represent the things in their world that were important. Knives were used to create weapons and to find their dinner. Ochre was buried with the dead for no discernible purpose, except perhaps as a ritual. Even in our more primitive past, we can see ritual occurring, see objects used as symbols, and here, I think, is our link to the past, and their link to us. Even in a life where day to day existence consumes all possible thought, our ancestors used symbols.
Symbols are the key, and the underlying use behind our tools.
The flame is a symbol of thought, of reason, and of the spirit. The blade is a symbol of my purpose, my ability to effect change. The Old Man casts light on the altar. The blade is used to cut food, string, whatever is needed. But, the tools we use for ritual are special because they are both mundane implements and symbols of other things.