The Earliest Civilization and Prehistoric Art
The earliest civilization and experience of the human race points to the existence of art, therefore the presence of art could be considered as old as the existence of the human race. In the history of art, the concept of prehistoric art is referred to as all the works of art produced in the preliterate era. Prehistoric art began during the late period of geographic history and developed consistently into culture that was formed either by writing or other methods of keeping records, (White 12).
Types of Prehistoric Art
Based on the research and findings of archeologists, there are for basic typologies of prehistoric arts which were primarily developed in the Stone Age. First, the petroglyphy which consists of rock carvings, cupules, and graving. Second, the pictography which also includes symbols, ideograms, and pictorial images; Third, the prehistoric sculpture which was based on ivory carvings, forms of zoomorphic, and relief sculptures. The last category is referred to as the megalithic art; with examples such as petroforms and distinct arrangement of stones, (White 44). Irrespective of the methods by which these arts were completed, each prehistoric art was an expression of the fundamental feature of the society where they were developed.
The Characteristics of Prehistoric Art
In conclusion it is essential to note that art has always been a primary feature of the human society; however prehistoric arts were of distinct characteristics. This form of artworks was highly primitive and could not be regarded as perfect as what is currently obtainable in the today's modern society. It is therefore essential to mention that the ingenuity of the artworks that were developed in the prehistoric era paved the way the heights of sophistication that is currently witnessed in today's world of art.
Works Cited
White, Randall. Prehistoric art: the symbolic journey of humankind. Harry N. Abrams, 2003.
