Art, Ideas, and Beliefs in the Paleolithic Age

      The clearest expression of the creativity and ingenuity of Upper Paleolithic people lies in their art. During the Upper Paleolithic period, a cultural explosion occurred. Tools began to be carved with beauty as well as utility; pendants were made from horse teeth, and jewelry made of shell was worn by the living and the dead. Sculptures of plump, large-breasted women--perhaps symbolizing fertility--were common. The most remarkable artistic achievements of the Upper Paleolithic period were the vibrant cave paintings, some of which depict animals that are now extinct.
      Among the most famous of the cave paintings are those in the Lascaux Caves, in south-central France. The paintings, dating to 15 000 BCE, are the work of experienced artists. The painters often made use of irregularities in the cave walls to add a three dimensional effect to their art. For example, a concavity was used to form the belly of a pregnant cow. In other instances, the figures of animals were intentionally distorted to give the viewer a more striking perspective. Scaffolding as high as five metres, was built to allow artists to paint the ceilings of the caves. After first outlining a silhouette of the figure in charcoal, the artist then created the picture using paint made from charcoal, clay, minerals, ochre, and other materials. The images, deep in the caves, were executed by the light of animals-fat lamps. No one is certain how the caves were used, although some believe they were part of rituals related to hunting magic. The significance of the paintings for us is that they capture and preserve the creativity of the Paleolithic people. Despite the primitive nature of the paintings, they manage to portray the beauty and strength of the animals, and convey movement and depth.

Venus of Willendorf, featuring female  

figures such as the large breasts and 

wide hips which symbolized fertility.

One part of paintings in the Lascaux Caves.

Writings: ECHOES from the Past published by McGraw-Hill Ryerson Ltd.

Images: google; Venus of Willendorf, Lascaux Caves