Table of Contents
Period: 30000 BCE – 2500 BCE
Characteristics: Cave paintings, fertility goddesses, megaliths
Events: End of the Ice Age, emergence of art, first permanent settlements
The first stop on our journey into the mysteries of art history is prehistoric art. In short, it is art that predates written history. So, we are talking about pretty old things. It is precisely the unwritten part of it that makes this era mysterious and exciting. The period encompasses a surprisingly wide range of art forms, from cave paintings to sculptures, so welcome to a journey back to the dawn of civilisation.
What Is Prehistoric Art?
Prehistoric art can be viewed through the lens of three distinct periods, each marked by significant changes in human technology, lifestyle, and societal organisation. The first of these is the Palaeolithic period, also known as the Old Stone Age, followed by the Mesolithic period, or Middle Stone Age, and finally, the Neolithic or New Stone Age.
The main thing to remember is that art was strongly linked to society and everyday life during these periods. What I mean by this is that it moved and evolved with the people. During this time, people in different places developed at different rates, so the boundaries between the periods were sometimes a little blurry.
Palaeolithic Stories on the Wall
The Palaeolithic period began roughly 30,000 BCE and lasted until about 10,000 BCE. At the time, permanent settlements were not yet common. Instead, early humans lived mainly nomadically, in small groups following herds of animals and seasonal vegetation. They were skilled hunters and gatherers, and their lives were based on their ability to obtain food and water in challenging and unpredictable environments. They had little to no control over their lives. All they could do was worship spirits and hope for the best.
Art was closely linked to the spiritual beliefs and rituals of the Palaeolithic people. They believed there lived powerful spirits among them, and they wanted to portray them through art. They also thought that animals, plants and various natural elements had supernatural powers that could influence their lives. Art was often used to talk to these spirits and ask for their protection and guidance.
Our ancestors created cave paintings and petroglyphs to help us understand their lives. These cave paintings were made using natural pigments and primitive tools. The artists used the natural contours of the cave walls to create a three-dimensional effect. On the other hand, petroglyphs were created using sharp tools to scratch or carve images into rocks or cave walls. Both types of artwork usually depict animals, people and abstract patterns. They were often created in dark and inaccessible places, suggesting they had a ceremonial or symbolic purpose. For example, researchers consider shamanic ceremonies or communication with the spirit world to be likely uses.
Figurines Were Hot in the Mesolithic Period
The Mesolithic period lasted from 10,000 to 4,000 years BCE. This period was a time of significant cultural and technological development. It served as a brief interlude between the Palaeolithic and Neolithic periods. More and more people moved from a nomadic lifestyle to increasingly large, settled societies. There was also a shift towards a more diversified economy, including fishing and plant cultivation.
During the Mesolithic period, people experimented with different art forms and materials, creating a wide range of complex and detailed works of art that reflected their evolving social and cultural environment. Their paintings still depicted animals, nature and people, but abstract patterns became increasingly popular.
The most popular art forms of the period were figurines and miniature sculptures made by moulding and carving clay into different shapes and sizes, such as human figures. Some of these figures may have been used in religious or ceremonial contexts. However, there are indications that others may have been used as ornaments. Many of the sculptures were small, making them easier to carry around.
Megaliths of the Neolithic period
The Neolithic period began around 4,000 BCE and lasted until approximately 2,500 BCE. During this period, transitioning from a nomadic to a settled lifestyle based on agriculture was fast. Humans domesticated plants and animals, allowing a surplus of food to be stored for future use. This led to complex societies with social hierarchies, trade networks, and specialised occupations. It also paved the way for the emergence of more sophisticated prehistoric art forms.
One of the fascinating aspects of the Neolithic period was the creation of large-scale structures, such as stone circles, tombs, and temples. These structures were constructed using megaliths (large stones) and required significant communal effort and organisation. Another prehistoric art form that had an update during this period was pottery. Humans started making vessels for cooking, storage, and other purposes, often decorated with intricate designs and patterns using painting, carving, and stamping techniques.
Examples of Prehistoric Art
Early humans created cave paintings thousands of years ago in France at Lascaux and Chauvet. These caves were considered sacred spaces that provided shelter and inspiration for the art. They reflected early human societies’ stories, beliefs, and cultural practices. The discovery and investigation of these Paleolithic cave paintings have transformed our knowledge of human history and creative development.
Tassili n’Ajjer, located in Algeria, is another renowned site for prehistoric art. It depicts the cultural heritage and artistic achievements of early human civilisations. The captivating rock art from the Neolithic period portrays depictions of animals, human figures, and abstract designs. The rock art showcases a wide range of artistic techniques such as painting, engraving, and carving, demonstrating the craftsmanship and sophistication of Neolithic artists.
Stonehenge is an iconic symbol of prehistoric art and engineering prowess. The precise positioning of the stones reveals a sophisticated understanding of celestial alignments and astronomy. The construction of Stonehenge required meticulous planning, craftsmanship, and innovative engineering techniques. Although its purpose and significance remain a mystery, it has been associated with various theories ranging from religious gatherings to astronomical observatories.
Lastly, the Venus of Willendorf is a 25,000 to 30,000-year-old limestone figurine that depicts a woman with exaggerated features. It symbolises fertility and celebrates women’s life-giving power. It may have been used in fertility and childbirth rituals. Other similar figurines, known as “Venus figurines,” have been found, demonstrating the enduring fascination with the feminine form and its relationship to the cycle of life.
Conclusion
Prehistoric art offers us a glimpse into the lives of our early ancestors. It is fascinating to see how art evolved and adapted to the changing circumstances of human life during this time. Prehistoric art forms are a testament to human creativity and imagination, from cave paintings and petroglyphs to figurines and megaliths. By studying prehistoric art, we can learn about the past and appreciate humanity’s cultural heritage. So, let’s continue our journey into the mysteries of art history. Next time, we will take a look at Mesopotamian art. See you there!
