Prehistoric Cave Art

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how prehistoric cave art is considered to be man's original form of art, although its date of origin is still unknown. It looks at how, with examples, the art displays the effects of the cultures and surroundings that created them. It discusses how the cave art found in Europe and Africa depicts the prehistoric conception of animals, humans, symbols and weapons and how there are many differences and commonalities between the art found in both areas.

From the Paper:

"The cave paintings in Linton are considered to be only 11,000 years old, as opposed to Apollo 11. The cave shelter located in Linton on the Eastern Cape of Africa contains a painting of that illustrates the experiences of healers or shaman, calling on supernatural powers. Human figures are clearly defined. The shaman has hooves, as if taking on the shape of an animal in order to connect to the spiritual world. White dots are used to represent spiritual power. Strange features are also assigned to other animals and humans present during the trance in the painting, using white dashes. Animals in the painting appear to have mismatched body parts, such as a snake with an antelope head."

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