Paleolithic Theories on Cave Art

Paleolithic Art Theories abound and the one I think most plausible is the mixture of Shamanism with the creation of art just for art's sake thrown in. Humans today are not too different than our ancestors. We  create art to worship what we believe; be that nature, an entity, or materialism. As humans we are compelled to create in worship to what we feel. Count that as buildings, accumulation of wealth, sculpture, art or technology. It is in our very nature to create meaning in our lives and the making of art is a communication of our selves to others.

When looking at the France caves there is a feeling of worship and awe of the world around them. The way the animals seem to come to life shows a sophistication one would not expect. They seem top be unique to other sites. These caves were not lived in, which gives them special significance to the peoples who created them.

This video of the Altamira cave in Northern Spain from the UNESCO shows a very lifelike 3-D buffalo images along with some unknown symbols. For me, those symbols had to have meaning to those who would view them. That we are unable to interpret them does not suggest that the population of the time would not have recognized what they were. An interesting note is the snake with the buffalo, as one sees no reptiles in the caves in France. There are artifacts of Paleolithic life in the replica museum, but it does not state if those were found in the original cave, or just for visitors to get a sense of life during the time period. This site therefore suggest a more art for arts sake as opposed to worship compared to the caves in France where the caves were not lived in.

The amazing thing about the cave painting of this period is that it exists on a global level. Here is a video of the top ten cave paintings . The color, time, effort, and remarkable thought process that went into these paintings shows me a sense of wonder and worship. I especially feel such power from the one with many handprints in all the different colors from Argentina.

There is a remarkably similar painting in Spain with what looks like something interconnecting each hand. Two different continents, yet similar styles. The art in this two minute video shows amazing paintings from Europe, Asia, Africa, South America and Australia.

I belive that this suggests that art was universal, global and comes from man's need to understand and give praise for the world around him and be connected to others. We still seek to find why are we here and perhaps most of all is the continuing innate desire to express that need through art and creativity. Through those mediums, we feel connected. I believe this, in the end, is what makes us human.


Picture comes from welcomeargentina.com