Prehistoric cave-drawings

[Kyriakos]

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-50J4_8rTCDc/TjRGka4xkKI/AAAAAAAAB0U/_i5FncdlzwU/s1600/cave_art.jpg

What do you think of (prehistoric) cave art?

I find that some of it carries an impressive dynamic. I have read that many paleontologists view it as the monument of those early peoples' animistic beliefs, part of which was that they *might* have regarded the drawing of a successful hunt as something which would enable a future such hunt to be successful as well.

Of course, like any art, even if that was a major reason for it, it still would carry other connotations too. For one it is quite impressive to see how prehistoric man created symbols of animals and of himself, in the forms of drawings, distancing the actual objects from the lines which referred to them (subconsciously or consciously). :)

[Paulclem]

I saw a documentary recently which explained that there was a calendar system associated with dots painted. Fascinating and brilliant.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/975360.stm

[Gilliatt Gurgle]

Difficult to say what compelled them, I would suggest that in your example Kyriakos, the art(?) might celebrate a successful hunt perhaps after period of hunger, failed attempts.
btw- do you recall where your example is located?

[Helga]

This example you have shows the difference between man and animal I think, and probably a lot more. They are not exactly hunting in it, the animals are charging at them and they defend themselves. It reminds me of old songs of kings and heroes who against the odds won the battle and brought the meat home.

There are also paintings that show animals that are larger than life, often bulls and have been thought to be the first religion. I don't remember where the bull I have in mind is but was huge and on the ceiling I recall, but this subject was a part of a course I took last semester.

It's a very interesting subject. People who want graphic novels to get a bigger part in university courses use cave paintings to show that stories in pictures are older than the written word.

[Kyriakos]

Excellent points, particularly by Helga (that the drawings seems to present a sort of view it was a battle, not just a hunt...) :D

Gilliatt i am not sure where that cave is. It was in the first page of google images when i searched for cave-drawings :)

[papayahed]

What if those are just doodles from the kid in the back of the class that's not paying attention????

[cacian]

I don't know these drawings look unervingly like tattoos only on stone.
the actual fact that they are drawn inside rather then outside makes it a bit strange.
these paintings must have been for a ritual. a bit like the pharaohs and their paintings around the walls where the sarcophagus were left. they were drawings to venerate the deads.
I could feel that maybe something gruesome or unpleasant were taking places in these caves. anyway something to do with death or deads. who knows.

[chris_eriksson]

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-50J4_8rTCDc/TjRGka4xkKI/AAAAAAAAB0U/_i5FncdlzwU/s1600/cave_art.jpg


Looks like the early work of Og the Horrible.

[Ecurb]

Werner Herzog’s “Cave of Forgotten Dreams” depicts some spectacular art. However, in my experience, seeing actual cave paintings is as thrilling as visiting the Louvre or the Prado.

I visited the caves of Tito Bustillo last fall. The paintings adorning the walls of these caves are deep inside, and the ¾ mile journey through the dark, mysterious, underground labyrinth (yes, some bulls are depicted) adds to the impact of the paintings. These paintings were discovered during the 1970s, by amateur spelunkers. Deep in the cave is room after room adorned with paintings that use the contours of the rock walls to create three dimensional works of art.

The paintings at Tito Bustillo are not as ancient as those at Altamira (now closed to the public), or those depicted in “Cave of Forgotten Dreams” (also now closed to the public). They are about 15,000 years old. Nonetheless, the thrill of communicating with ancestors from our distant past represents only part of the emotional impact of the paintings. The paintings themselves are stunningly beautiful, especially when seen live, in the cool, damp darkness of cavernous depths. Tito Bustillo will soon close to the public as well, because light and human breath can damage the art. If anyone gets a chance to see them while they are still open, don’t miss it!

[kogama]

I find that picture impressive for people who wore no clothes and were covered in hair.

[Ecurb]

I find that picture impressive for people who wore no clothes and were covered in hair.

I find it impressive for anyone! (Of course cave paintings vary in quality, just as modern paintings do. But the best of them are great.)