Prehistoric = Before writing

What is Prehistoric Art?

 Pre-history are all of human history that precedes the invention of writing systems (~3100 BCE) and the keeping of written records. Studying prehistoric art and artifacts helps us to understand the culture of prehistoric peoples.

What is culture?

 Culture are the arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievement regarded collectively. Human learned behavior (not genetic or biological) including languages, customs, beliefs, technology, etc. It also shared by a group
Paleolithic period also known as Old Stone Age., ancient cultural stage or level of human development. characterized by the use of chipped stone tools.

Cave Painting

 The cave paintings are found all over the world. Western Europe, primarily Southern France and Northern Spain are rich with canvas containing Stone Age wall paintings. The rock paintings have been found to include line drawings in charcoal and red ochre. The first painting was discovered in 1879 in Altamira, Spain. The discovery was not accredited by the scientific community until 1902 after many others had been found.

1. How were they made?

 Paleolithic artist made paints out of natural substances such as red and yellow earth, different colored materials and black charcoal. They grind these into powder and mix it with water.

2. Why were they made?

 Based on theories, they made the painting because of "hunting magic" and maybe this is part of the spiritual beliefs. Other than that is for ceremonial or as an aid to memory and pass on. Just like nowadays we have camera and picture as a symbol of an event or memory.


Lascaux is famous for its Palaeolithic cave paintings. It is found in a complex of caves in the Dordogne region of southwestern France because of their exceptional quality, size, sophistication and antiquity. It was estimated to be up to 20,000 years old. The paintings consist primarily of large animals, once native to the region. Lascaux is located in the Vezere Valley. Lascaux cave were added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list.

Hall of bulls


The Hall of the Bulls is 19 metres (62 feet) in length and varies in width from 5.5 metres (18 feet) at the entrance to 7.5 metres (25 feet) at its widest point. As one enters the main area, the first image one can see is the horse's head and neck with a fuzzy mane. The second is the mysterious unicorn. Other notable picture found in the Hall of the Bulls include the Frieze of The Black Horses. There are two exits from the Hall of the Bulls: One leads to the Axial Gallery which is a dead end and the other to the main passageway.









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