The earliest examples of art and cultural production date back 77,000 years ago in the form of inscribed ocher and perforated shells in South Africa. During the Paleolithic period between 77,000-10,000 BCE, nomadic hunter-gatherer populations in Europe created cave paintings like those found in Altamira, Spain and Lascaux, France depicting animals. Female figurines known as "Venuses" were also produced, like the Woman from Willendorf in Austria. During the Neolithic period between 10,000-3,000 BCE, permanent settlements emerged and megalithic structures like Stonehenge in England were constructed as cultures transitioned to an agricultural lifestyle.
8. Earliest Cultural Products Inscribed Ocher, South Africa, 77,000 years agoI Perforated Shells, South Africa, 75,000 years ago Hand Axe, Tanzania, 60,000 years ago
9.
10. “Characteristics” of Paleolithic Nomadic Lifestyle Sustaining life through gathering plants and hunting Development of abstract thinking and basic problem solving skills.
23. George Stubbs. Whistlejacket. c.1762. Oil on canvas, 9’7” x 8’1”. National Gallery, London. Wall painting with horses, rhinoceroses, and aurochs. Chauvet Cave. c.32,000-30,000 BCE. Paint on limestone. Approx. half life-size. (Stokstad 1-10)
35. Reconstruction drawing of Çatalhöyük, with tending of goats. Schematic reconstruction drawing of a section of Level VI. Çatalhöyük (Turkey). c.6000-5000 BCE. (related to Stokstad pages 14-15)
47. Critical Thinking Questions What are the strengths and weaknesses of the major theories about Paleolithic cave painting? What are the major technological and artistic developments of the Paleolithic and Neolithic Eras? What was the significance of calling female figures, such as the Woman from Willendorf, “Venus”? How does the existence of Jomon pottery upset conventional theories about the role of pottery in human development? What are some obstacles for archaeologists in interpreting prehistoric materials?
48. Inkshedding What material has left the biggest impression on you this week? What material do you still feel uncomfortable about?
Editor's Notes
Where did “modern humans” begin?What were some of the major developments of the Paleolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic Ages?
Decorative Impulse
What are some major assumptions that shape our view of prehistoric art and humans?
What is the significance of labeling these figures “Venuses”?What biases does this betray in 19th century archaeologists?Meskell’s alternatives: territorial markers, ancestor cults, teaching devices, birthing rituals, healing, marriage contract tokens, toys, etc.
What is the significance of labeling these figures “Venuses”?What biases does this betray in 19th century archaeologists?Meskell’s alternatives: territorial markers, ancestor cults, teaching devices, birthing rituals, healing, marriage contract tokens, toys, etc.
What is the significance of labeling these figures “Venuses”?What biases does this betray in 19th century archaeologists?Meskell’s alternatives: territorial markers, ancestor cults, teaching devices, birthing rituals, healing, marriage contract tokens, toys, etc.
Contemporary Aboriginal artist at Gunbalanya (Oenpelli) painting an image of a lizard with X-ray features. Such paintings reflect an unbroken continuity with the ancient X-ray tradition. How can we compare prehistoric to modern work?Source: X-ray style in Arnhem Land Rock Art | Thematic Essay | Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History | The Metropolitan Museum of Art
![The Earliest “Artists” Reading: Stokstad: 1-25 Range ~77,000 BCE-1000 BCE Paleolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic Periods Terms/Concepts: decorative impulse, framing devices, “Venuses,” sympathetic magic, composite pose, henge, post and lintel. Monument List: ,[object Object]](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/prehistoricartfall2011ucd-110902122657-phpapp02/85/Prehistoric-art-fall-2011-ucd-1-320.jpg)
