Art Appreciation: Prehistoric Art

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to Prehistoric Art as outlined in the lecture notes.

Paleolithic Period

The era characterized by the development of early human creativity, including cave paintings and sculptures, from 30,000–10,000 BCE.

Mesolithic Period

The middle stage of the Stone Age, occurring from 10,000 BCE to 8,000 BCE, marked by the development of new hunting and farming practices.

Neolithic Period

The 'new stone' age from 8,000 BCE to 3,000 BCE, characterized by farming, settled communities, and complex societal structures.

Cro-Magnon

Considered the world’s first known artist, they created some of the earliest forms of art.

Cave Paintings

Artworks created on cave walls that depict animals and human figures, often part of ritualistic practices.

Stone Tools

Handmade tools developed during the Stone Age, significant for technological advancement.

Lion-Man

A prehistoric sculpture discovered in Germany, dating back 35,000-40,000 years, representing early creativity.

Woman from Willendorf

A limestone statuette from around 24,000-22,000 BCE, symbolizing fertility and health.

Venus of Brassempouy

A small ivory figurine from around 25,000 BCE, known for its abstract representation of the human form.

Chauvet Cave

A cave in France known for its early and sophisticated cave paintings of animals.

Microliths

Small stone tools used during the Mesolithic period, essential for hunting and tool-making.

Ubirr Rock Paintings

Rock art from Arnhem Land, Australia, depicting human figures engaged in various activities.

Cueva de las Manos

A famous cave in Argentina, known for its handprints and stylized human figures.

Gobekli Tepe

An archaeological site in Turkey thought to be one of the earliest religious centers, showcasing early Neolithic architecture.

Terracotta

A clay-based ceramic material used for creating sculptures and pottery in prehistoric art.

Pottery

Art and craft of making objects from clay, often decorated with geometric patterns.

Animal Reliefs at Gobekli Tepe

Sculpted representations of animals found at the archaeological site, illustrating early artistic expression.

Engravings

Carvings or designs inscribed on cave walls or stone, commonly seen in prehistoric art.

Natural Substances

Materials used by prehistoric humans to create paint, including minerals and organic materials.

Geometric Patterns

Shapes and designs created in art, particularly prominent in pottery from the Halaf culture.

Flint Stone Knife

A tool used to carve and shape other materials in prehistoric artistry.

Cave Lions

A species commonly represented in prehistoric cave paintings, indicative of the fauna that existed.

Upper Paleolithic Culture

A cultural period marked by advanced artistic creation and material use, existing around 35,000 years ago.

Domestic Animals

Animals that were tamed and bred by humans, beginning with dogs during the Mesolithic period.

Rock Shelters

Natural formations that provided protection to early humans and served as sites for art and habitation.

Abstract Representation

Art that does not attempt to depict an accurate portrayal of a visual reality, seen in early human art.

Fertility Symbols

Objects or figures that represent fertility and reproduction, prevalent in prehistoric art.

Upper Paleolithic Tools

Stone tools developed during the Upper Paleolithic period, representing advancements in human craftsmanship.

Fishing Practices

Methods used by prehistoric communities to catch fish, which became a vital food source.

Settlement Patterns

The ways in which early human communities organized their living spaces, affecting their art and culture.

Hearth

A designated area for fire, central to the home in Neolithic settlements.

Ancient Rituals

Ceremonial acts performed by prehistoric peoples, often depicted in their artistic expressions.

Cave Engravings

Carvings created on the interior surfaces of caves, adding depth to prehistoric artistry.

Mammoths

A type of large prehistoric animal commonly depicted in cave art.

Stone Lamps

Illuminating devices made from stone, fueled by animal fat, used in caves.

Functional Art

Art that serves a practical purpose, as seen in tools and everyday items of prehistoric people.

Sculptural Reliefs

Low-relief sculptures created from stone or clay that depict various subjects in three dimensions.

Organic Materials

Natural substances used in creating art, such as bone and wood, integral in prehistoric techniques.

Crowning Ceremonies

Significant events in Neolithic cultures linked to spirituality and community organization.

Seasonal Movements

The migrations and relocations of prehistoric peoples based on climatic and environmental changes.

Pastoral Lifestyle

A way of life centered around herding and domesticating animals for sustenance.

Cerdagne Caves

Caves known for their archaeological finds related to prehistoric human habitation.

Cave of Hands

An archaeological site in Argentina known for its ancient handprints on cave walls.

Social Organization

The structuring of communities and roles within prehistoric human groups.