Global Prehistory 1.3

Global Prehistory 

30,000- 500 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.

Topic 1.3 Theories and Interpretations of Prehistoric Art 

Ongoing archaeological excavations and the use of carbon-14 dating have illuminated interconnections of art across the world.  This remains conjecture, because of the small number of surviving moments and other that are yet to be found.

Comparisons of groups of objects and the application of ethnographic analogy (considering modern traditional cultural practices as models for ancient ones) and reconstruction of religious history (noting shamanism as the earliest, most persistent worldwide spiritual approach) can be applied to help establish general theories of the function and meaning of prehistoric art.

How Archeological and Art History Work Together

Modern stratigraphic archeology or the precise recording of each level and location of all objects, was first used circa 1900. The has served as a basis for art history studies.

Archaeology supports understandings of how people, culture, and therefore art travelled across the globe, well before highly organized societies were formed. Important monuments, such as the caves at Lascaux, and media, particularly ceramics, were first discovered. Then these artifacts were described by archaeologists. Then, became available for interpretation by art historians.

 A Deeper Understanding

The function of artistic expression prior to written records is inferred from evidence of technology and survival strategies. It is also based on the relationship of tools and their function, whether task-related or expressive. Other notes to consider include the available food sources, the rise of sophisticated culture, and humans’ capacity to shape and manage the environment.

Basic art historical methods can be applied to prehistoric art by comparing works of art, imagery, materials, and techniques to identify patterns. Think a prevalence of transformational anima or human iconography as an example.  Then ethnographic approaches can be used to propose hypotheses such as certain iconography is shamanic in nature.

Cross-cultural comparisons can help establish wider generalizations. For example, South African, Asian, and indigenous American peoples all participated in rock/cave expressions of a visionary aesthetic In this way, even a small amount of evidence can produce theories. These can be proposed, tested, refined, and potentially rejected by conflicting evidence or new information. This is true as in other periods of art history, as well as other disciplines.

(1) 2. Great Hall of Bulls

Prehistoric European.  15,000-13,000 BCE. Prehistoric.

Learning Objective: Prehistoric cave art

Themes:

Animals
Ritual
Site specific
Fertility
Cycle of life
Ceremony
Changing Interpretations

The Caves of Lascaux, in Lascaux, France, are some of the most famous in the world. Inside, through a series if tight passageways, that opens up into a space that can hold 50 people is famous Great Hall of Bulls rock painting is located. The cave made of white calcite, with a non-porous roof, provided the perfect canvass for drawing and painting, while keeping the work dry.

The Great Hall of Bulls work measures 11 feet and six inches long. Made with charcoal and ochre that could be mixed into painting materials, the work depicts horses, deer, bison, elks, lions, birds. and people.

The reason for the creation of the work is unknown. Some see it as a narrative of a story. Others think it is a ritual design, honoring animals, to ensure a successful hunt.

The Caves of Lascaux, in one of about 350 groups, found mostly in Southern France and Northern Spain. Neanderthals, named after the valley, where their bones were found, in Neander Valley, Germany and Homo Sapiens (modern humans today) lived in the region for 30, 000 years.

(1) 8. Stonehenge.

Prehistoric Europe. 2,500-1,600 BCE. Wiltshire, UK. Prehistoric.

Learning Objective: Prehistoric European architecture

Themes:

Religion
Architecture
Site-specific
Ritual
Community
Nature
Fertility

The mysterious Stonehenge, in Wiltshire, United Kingdom has caused much speculation.  Resting on a large plain the circle measures 320 feet in diameter. The sandstone slabs are 30 feet tall.  These stones came from a local quarry.

The inner Bluestones have been traced to Preseli Hills, in Wales, 200 miles away! The Preseli Dolerite (Bluestone) is a medium grain heavy rock that is even harder than granite.

Function

Historians agree that Stonehenge was once a burial ground for at least part of its history. It was also a ceremonial site and site for religious pilgrimage.

Human remains and bones found show signs of illness and injury. This had led to the belief that the site was considered a destination for healing.

In ancient times stones were considered magical. According to Welsh legends, the Preseli Bluestone possesses healing properties.

Is that why these stones were included in the Stonehenge sit?

Who Built Stonehenge?

Several tribes built Stonehenge over the years. This has been proven by the bones, tool and artifacts located at the site.

How were the stones raised?

 Vertical stones

1. Large holes were dug with one sloping side.
2. The stone was slid into the hole.
3. The stone was then hauled upright with fiber rope.
4. The hole was packed with rubble.

Horizontal stones

1. Timber platforms were used to raise the horizontal lintels into position.
2. The tenons were adjusted to fit the mortise holes.
3. The stones were moved into place.

 A UNESCO World Heritage Site

 Stonehenge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over 1 million people visit annually.