Prehistoric Cave paintings
(40,000 BC to 8,000 BC)
Prehistoric cave paintings are paintings found
on cave walls and ceilings, and of prehistoric
origin. Using carbon dating, artwork has been
dated as far back as 40,000 years ago, to the
Aurignacian period. During this time early
humans (homo sapiens sapiens) migrated from
Africa up to Europe and beyond.
This prehistoric horse decorates the walls
of Lascaux Cave in France. Its species is
extinct but comparisons between the
picture and Przewalski's horse (considered
to be the closest living relative) suggest an
accurate depiction.
The meaning of the symbols in the picture,
from lines and dots to two possible wheat
ears, is unknown.
The exact purpose of prehistoric cave paintings
is not known. Evidence suggests that they were
not merely decorations of living areas, since the
caves in which they have been found do not
have signs of ongoing habitation.
Studies of cave paintings reveal surprisingly
sophisticated techniques, including
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Using contours of the rock for a threedimensional effect
Creation of the paint by blending
minerals with fat-based binders
Mixing of paints to achieve shading
Scaffolding in Lascaux Cave to reach the
cave ceiling