The Stone Age 2,500,00 BCE to 2000 BCE

The Stone Age Stone Age art is early prehistoric art. This is a time where self expression through art begins. Most art from this time are rock forms like cupules. These are round indentations in rock and were found all over the world. The Stone Age is divided up into 3 sections: Paleolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic.

Paleolithic (2,500,000 – 10,000 BCE) In this time of prehistoric art, we often see cave paintings, rock engravings, and hand prints. Mobiliary art was art made to carry with you during this time. This often included religious based items. Parietal art was art left behind (such as cave paintings, relief sculptures, etc) that told stories. Much of the art during this time was for either religious purposes or for record keeping/ story telling purposes.

Venus of Wilendorf One of the oldest portable carvings. Was one of many “venus” statues made during this time. Was a fertility goddess thought to bring good crops and healthy children. Was depicted as a larger woman, and was the ideal image of a woman at that time.

Lascaux Cave Paintings Located in Lascaux, France Some of the oldest and most preserved cave paintings. Told stories of the people from that time. More than 17,000 years old. Has about 600 painted animals and symbols and more than 1,500 engravings. Only one image of a human exists in the entire cave.

Mesolithic (Europe 10,000 - 4,000 BCE) This period began as the Ice Age started to end. Since the ice began to melt, people started moving to areas that were warmer and had plants for food. People started to settle down and create farming communities instead of migrating to find food. Due to farming and the creation of lots of crops, Mesolithic people began making pottery as a means to store their food.

Top: Knife for skinning animals. Bottom: Pottery found during this era.

Neolithic (Europe 4,000 – 2,000 BCE) Pottery was still a major piece of art from this time, but more decorative than in the Mesolithic period. Terracotta sculptures as well as lots of mobiliary art (personal adornments and small statues) were made often in this period. People began building temples, tombs, shrines, and other megalithic structures (structures made from large stones). Religious beliefs became more sound and influenced the art of this time.

Chalcolithic Pottery of Persia 5,000-3,500 BCE Ceramic pots ornamented with human, bird, plant or animal images.

Ornamentation During this time, people were more secure and began to focus on artwork that was more personal. Murals, small statues, and textiles (patterned fabric) began to appear in homes during this time. Jewelry (namely rings, earrings and pendants) were made and worn frequently and showed status.

Pig Dragon Pendant from Hongshan

Megalithic Architecture Often created to worship deities, or were dedicated to deities. Seen in cultures all over the world. (Egyptian Pyramids are megalithic structures!) Most famous is Stonehenge circle.

Stonehenge No one knows who built it. No one knows how they built it. No one knows (for sure) why it was built. No defining carvings or engravings to give clues.