Art of the Stone Age pt.2

The Neolithic Period (6,500-2,000 B.C.E):

Development of agricultural practices, domesticated animals, and settlement in permanent dwellings

Skara Brae: A settlement of homes built out of stone

(Orkney Islands, Scotland 3,100-2,600 B.C.E)

“Post and Lintel” construction used for storage, maybe fireplaces

Neolithic Ceremonial Architecture:

“Dolman” also known as a Tomb. Made for Burials of important people. These Dolman’s also represent Post and Lintel practices

Post and Lintel Construction consists of two vertical posts w/ horizontal Lindel posted across the top

Dolman’s sometimes covered w/ smaller stones for protection

Dolman’s also sometimes covered w/ Earth

Newgrange Passage Grave, Ireland 3,000-2,500 B.C.E

Contains “corbeling” (construction technique) and engraved spiral designs used to commemorate the summer solstice

Menhir alignment at Carnac, France 4,000 B.C.E

Stone Henge, Salisbury Plain, England 2,900-1,500 B.C.E

also represents Post and Lintel at a monumental scale

May have been symbolic representation of the sun which was worshiped for it’s life-giving powers

may have served as an ancient burial site

may have also served as an ancient solar calendar