PREHISTORIC ART Meaning and
Definition
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Prehistoric art refers to the visual expressions created by early human societies before the advent of written history and the recording of significant events. It encompasses various forms, including cave paintings, rock carvings, sculptures, and portable art objects, which were produced by early humans thousands or even hundreds of thousands of years ago.
Prehistoric art holds immense cultural and historical significance, shedding light on our ancient ancestors' beliefs, rituals, and daily lives. The artworks typically depict animals, humans, and abstract symbols, often serving as a depiction of their environment and the relationship between early humans and the natural world.
Cave paintings, for instance, offer incredible insights into prehistoric societies by portraying scenes of hunting, fertility, and perhaps even spiritual beliefs. The art frequently utilized natural pigments, such as ochre and charcoal, applied on cave walls and ceilings using simple tools like fingers, bones, and brushes made of animal hair.
Rock carvings and sculptures, on the other hand, were often carved into stone or bone. They also depicted animals and humans, showcasing the artistic skills of prehistoric societies. Portable art objects, like figurines and jewelry, were intricately crafted from materials like bone, antler, shell, and stone. These objects were not merely decorative but possibly used for ceremonial or symbolic purposes.
While the interpretation of prehistoric art can be challenging due to the lack of written records, it has played a crucial role in reconstructing early human history and understanding our cultural development. The preservation and study of prehistoric art provide vital insights into the complexity and creativity of our ancient ancestors, allowing us to appreciate the rich heritage they left behind.
Etymology of PREHISTORIC ART
The term "prehistoric art" is derived from two main components: "prehistoric" and "art".
The word "prehistoric" comes from the combination of two Latin roots: "pre-" meaning "before" or "prior to", and "historic" which refers to recorded history. "Prehistoric" is used to describe the time period before written records were kept. It conveys a sense of referring to events or developments that took place in the distant past, prior to the existence of written records.
The word "art" has its origins in the Latin word "ars", which denotes skill, craft, or technique in creating something visually or aesthetically pleasing. Over time, "art" came to encompass diverse forms of creative expression, including painting, sculpture, architecture, and more.
