Web Drop-in #1

Emily C. Moser

SLM 521

April 2004

Cave Paintings

Introduction…. Secret and mystical, prehistoric art is fascinating because it immediately links us to a past so distant it is difficult to imagine. Take a moment to close your eyes and travel back through all the ages of history you have studied….before the hippies, the founding of America, the middle ages…long before the pharaohs of Egypt… even before the dawn of cities….there were humans hunting and gathering and creating. It is amazing to discover that thousands of years ago ancient human beings were creating art. Why do humans make art? What is the initial impulse that we share with humans from millennia ago?

Directions: Complete the activities and visit this website as you explore a beautiful example of prehistoric art…

The Cave of Chauvet-Pont-D’arc.

http://www.culture.gouv.fr/culture/arcnat/chauvet/en/index.html

Activities:

1. Visit the cave by clicking on the URL or the image above. Then, click on each colored dot to view the paintings. Which is your favorite image and why?

2. Sketch 2 images in your sketchbook. Use colored pencils.

3. What culture created the artwork in this cave?

4. What are some reasons they may have created the art? Can you think of any others?

5. When was this art work believed to have been made? Can you imagine back that far?

6. Imagine that you are an ancient hunter/gatherer/craftsperson/shaman—sketch animals and symbols that may have meaning for you. Be prepared to share and discuss in class.

7. A researcher stated “art making is peculiar to the human species.” What do you think this means? Do you agree or disagree?