In our study of early human civilizations, SWBAT apply historical thinking to explain how social scientists investigate the past and hypothesize about the lives or prehistoric humans by examining images of cave paintings and other artifacts and using the methodology of a archaeologist. NCSCOS 6H, 6G

Today we are going to investigate the past like an archaeologist. A cave has been discovered and working with our teams, we are going to examine the cave paintings (artifacts) to learn about the past. You will be interpreting photographs of paintings and artifacts found in caves once inhabited by prehistoric humans. You will work as a detective of the past to discover and interpret clues about how prehistoric humans lived.

The painting was found inside the cave at Lascaux, France. It was painted between 11,000 and 18,000 years ago. The painting shows a scene from a hunt. The man is about to be gored (pierced by the horn of an animal). The animal, a woolly mammoth or a bison (a kind a buffalo), is wounded. There is a spear in its side, and the animal's insides spill to the ground. The man lies in front of the wounded animal. He wears a mask that looks like a bird. Next to the man is a long stick with a bird on top. The stick is probably a spear thrower, a kind of hanlde used to hurl a spear. Paintings of humans are rare in cave art. Notice the simple drawing of the man, like a stick figure. The animal is much more realistic. Many social scientists think that this painting was created as part of a hunting ritual. The artist may have been asking for a successful hunt. It is also possible that the painting is a record of an actual event, or it may simply be a decoration. 4. Why do social scientists think this painting was created?

Directions for Interpreting Cave Art Follow these steps to discover what cave paintings and artifacts may reveal about the lives of early humans. 1.When instructed, go to one of the “cave” stations. 2.Carefully examine the photograph at the station and match it to one of the images in your handout. 3.Complete the section of the Reading Notes that corresponds to the photograph. 4.Repeat the steps above until you have examined all the photographs. 5. When finished, return to your seat and individually complete the final two questions.

Homework: Study guide questions 1, 2, 4 and 6