Global Prehistory 1.1

Global Prehistory

30,000 BCE to 5000 BCE

Theme:  “Cave Conjecture”

This theme addresses the “site” caves of much Paleolithic Art as well as the lack of documentation.  Therefore, much of this chapter is comprised of conjecture.

Historical Context

• Prehistory includes all of human existence before emergence of writing.
• Paleolithic Art /Age: 40,000 BCE – 8000 BCE
  • Characterized by hunter-gathering
• Neolithic Art / Age: 8000 BCE – 3000 BCE
  • • Characterized by agriculture, civilization, occupations

Artistic Innovations

• Earliest surviving works of art are comprised of cave paintings and portable sculptures of humans and animals.
  • Conjecture as to why these works were made or what they meant.
• Years following 30,000 BCE saw a powerful outburst of creativity.
• Enlarged sexual organs prominent in sculptures; reveal importance of reproduction
• Cave paintings: animals are realistic while humans are stick figures 

1.1 Cultural Influences on Prehistoric Art

Human expression existed across the globe before the written record. Although prehistoric Europe has been the focus of many introductions to the history of art, early art is found worldwide. It shares certain features, particularly in concern with the natural world and humankind’s place within it.

Before the Written Record

The analysis and interpretations of art from this period are especially important, as little-to-no written evidence exists for such early works. Art historians develop theories, in collaboration with social and physical scientists, to understand art historical developments.

Climate and Environment

Periods before the written record are often defined in terms of geological eras or major shifts in climate and environment. Human behavior and expression were influenced by the changing environments in which they lived.  A glacial period produced European ice ages. Saharan agricultural grassland became desert. Tectonic shifts, in southeast Asia, created land bridges between the continent and the now-islands of the Pacific, south of the equator.

Macrocosmic and Micro Cosmic Awareness

In many world regions, including those not in direct contact with one another, art shows humans’ awareness of fundamental, stable phenomena.  Astronomical cycles, such as equinoxes and solstices have frequently been a factor in the influence of art from a macrocosmic perspective.  On a smaller scope, microcosmic influences, including the exploitation of permanent materials available in local environments, such as stone, hardened clay, and jade, are all determining factors in early creation.

Defining the Stone Ages

The periods of global prehistory are known as lithic or stone ages. These include Paleolithic (“Old Stone Age”), Mesolithic (“Middle Stone Age”), and Neolithic (“New Stone Age”). Each period brought with it culture depicted in art.

Historical Context 

• Paleolithic Period or Old Stone Age (40,000 BCE–10,000 BCE)
• Mesolithic Period or Middle Stone Age (10,000 BCE–8,000 BCE)
• Neolithic Period or New Stone Age (8,000 BCE–3,000 BCE)

Hunter-Gatherers Survival and Art (Paleolithic Period/ Old Stone Age)

40,000 BCE–10,000 BCE

Globally, the earliest peoples were small groups of hunter-gatherers, whose paramount concern was sheer survival. This resulted in the creation of practical objects. Stone tools were fashioned and used to cut, scrape, carve and kill.

From earliest times, these practical tools were accompanied by objects of unknown purpose—ritual and symbolic works, perhaps intended to encourage the availability of flora and fauna food sources. These works included large cave drawings, but also, small moveable, primitive sculpture art. Made from clay, bone, ivory, and stone, a popular theme during this time was Venus art, or figurines representing female fertility.

Art As A Community (Mesolithic Period/ Middle Stone Age)

10,000 BCE–8,000 BCE

During this period, people began to settle in communities. This resulted in more human depictions in artworks. As humans began to find their home, domesticated pets were added, such as the dog. Sculpture became more sophisticated, and clay was now finished by firing.

Art Depicting Stone Age Life (Neolithic Period/New Stone Age)

8,000 BCE–3,000 BCE

During the Neolithic period society began to advance. The earliest forms of architecture emerged. Farming was a way of life now, with the domestication of plants and farm animals.

Art making was associated with activities such as food production. Think hunting, gathering, agriculture, and animal husbandry. It also illustrated patterns of behavior, such as settlement, demonstration of status, and burial. For example, places of gathering or settlement and/or objects found in such places may be painted and/or incised with imagery related to their use.

Sophisticated weaving was found in fabric for clothing. Art was increasingly stylized and continued to show more craftsmanship.

(1) 1. Apollo 11 Stones

Prehistoric African (Namibia). 25, 500 BCE to 25, 300 BCE. Prehistoric

Learning Objective: Earliest example of representation

Themes:

Animals
Ritual
Fertility
Cycle of life

This work, created with charcoal on stone, entitled Apollo 11 Stones, are cave stones discovered in Namibia, Africa, in 1969.

What do you think this piece might have been used for?

Apollo 11 Stones depicts an animal which is thought to be a Thrianthrope, or a creature that in mythology can shape shift. It is anthropomorphic, with characteristics of the human form, although the form itself is not human. In this case the hind legs are human, while front legs are feline in nature. The work has a twisted perspective, in which the viewer can see the combined side and front view of the creature. The thin legs and a body without much detail, give it the visual effect of agility.

Historical Background

This year coincides with the landing on the moon of the Apollo 11, hence the name. Several other tablets depicting animals were found at the same time. Although this work is small enough to be carried in one hand, the function of the pieces is unknown.

(1) 9. The Ambum Stone

Prehistoric Oceania. 1500 BCE

Learning Objective: Prehistoric Oceanic ritual object

Themes:

Animals
Ritual
Fertility
Cycle of life
Utilitarian

The Ambum Stone, was found in Ambum Valley, Enga Province of Papua, New Guinea. The 8-inch-tall piece is a decorative, but utilitarian object, made from greywacke, a heavy stone.

An Ancient Pestle

The curved head and long nose provided a handle to hold.  The body would have been used to crush or grind food, in a mortar or bowl.

Historians believe the work represents an anteater.

What do you think this animal is?

 A Rare Find

The Ambum Stone, is considered most extraordinary, because of the attention to detail.  Look at the animal’s eyes, nose and ears carved in relief and depicted in a stylized manner.

More Objects Uncovered

Over a dozen similar tools have been found in the region, with human or bird heads, as well as full birds in flight.

(1) 9. Tlatilco female figurine

Prehistoric American (Mexico). 1200-900 BCE. Prehistoric

Learning Objective: Prehistoric Mesoamerican funerary object

Themes:

Stylized bodies
Ritual
Funerary
Duality
Death
Fertility

This prehistoric American (Mexican) ceramic work is a small free-standing figure of a woman, just four inches high. Craftsmanship in the elaborate and decorative hairstyle shows great technique. Many sculptures from this time depict similar traits, as well as the use of body paint on female figurative art. This suggests this style of adornment was highly valued in Tlatilco society.

Historical Context

The Tlatilco female figurine is a prime example of the kinds of sculptural works uncovered in Central Mexico. Before the Aztecs dominated this land, the Tlatilco people flourished at least 3000 years prior. In the 20^th century, clay mining, for the use of making bricks, uncovered graves, in which such works were found.

NEXT UP:

Global Prehistoric History  
30,000- 500 BCE

1.2 Materials, Process and Techniques in Prehistoric Art