Context is one of the most important things one must consider when analyzing art history. I find the period of prehistory to be a fascinating one, since the lack of context for much of what’s been discovered leaves things up to interpretation. Despite this lack of context, it is surprising how much information people have been able to draw from the designs that have been left behind. The designs of the prehistoric era are mostly comprised of cave paintings.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_of_the_Upper_Paleolithic#/media/File:Lions_painting,_Chauvet_Cave_(museum_replica).jpg

Cave paintings have been discovered around the world; including Asia, the Americas, Australia, and Africa. The cave paintings we have discovered give us insight to the animals that occupied their surrounding area or the spiritual beliefs of the people who drew them. Some animals were drawn with such accuracy, that the exact species was identified, such as a grasshopper found in the Cave of the Trois-Frères. Also found in the cave were human figures displaying animal features called “Sorcerers,” and a carved phallus that runs 59cm along the walls of the cave.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cave_of_the_Trois-Frères#/media/File:Pintura_Trois_Freres.jpg

Despite what we can learn from the art itself, what we can not know and only theorize on is the intent behind the creation of this art. A good example of this are the Venus figurines. the Venus figurines are named so in reference to the Roman goddess, due to the exaggerated female form that these objects presented. Although there is no link whatsoever between these figurines and Roman mythology, there are no hints to any name that could be considered more accurate.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venus_figurines#/media/File:Wien_NHM_Venus_von_Willendorf.jpg

The intent behind the Venus figurines can only be theorized, we will never be able to know the level of importance that they held for the people who created them. Were they religious or spiritual items, or simply toys for the children? Some suggest that they represent some female supreme creator. Others theorize that the large breasts and lack of faces or feet point towards women making them using their own bodies as reference, since they did not have mirrors. Another theory is that the figures represent an ancient, ideal standard of beauty.

These Objects and Designs have given us much insight and even more questions about the prehistoric world of humans.

Bibliography:

https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=ZMvUlgYOqRcC&pg=PA202

http://www.visual-arts-cork.com/prehistoric/trois-freres-cave.htm#sorcerer

https://archive.org/details/aztectreasurehou00conn/page/37

https://www.persee.fr/doc/bspf_0249-7638_2013_num_110_1_14235

https://www.bradshawfoundation.com/books/ice_age_art.php