Paleolithic Art Research Paper

The art of the Paleolithic period falls into two main categories, which are transportable pieces like small figurines or decorated objects, and cave art. Paleolithic art is usually classified as either symbolic that is, portraying animals or humans, or nonfigurative, taking the form of symbols. The portable art of the Paleolithic period was carved out of antlers, bones, stones, or modeled in clay. They made small figures of people, birds, and animals, which are graphic and conventional and were probably used as good luck charms. Paleolithic era also made small sculptures; notably Venus. Small stone statues of pregnant women may suggest worship of fertility or nature. This art has been found in much of Siberia, Northern Africa, and Europe. Paleolithic cave art, discovered in the 1860s by …show more content…
The purpose of these objects from the Paleolithic era are identified with ancient worships. In addition, they ornamented the walls of their cave homes with pictures of animals, including mammoths, bison, and deer. The animals in the Lascaux caves are very detailed and show lively animals painted realistically. Shading in the pictures highlights the forms of the animals and makes them appear more authentic. It is mysterious why Paleolithic people painted these pictures, though they may have been ritualistic meaning. Paleolithic paintings were first discovered in 1879. Because of the obscure sites of these paintings, some scholars accept as true that they were made for supernatural purposes and that were intended to keep the bulls alive. Other scholars have faith in that the paintings may have served ceremonial dedications. They believe the hunters may have congregated in front of the paintings before they went hunting to pray and try to escalate their blessings and good luck. Several of the Paleolithic paintings were done with an optical illustration. That is, they were painted in a way that they would naturally appear in the