Prehistoric Art and Spirituality Overview
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Questions and Answers

What was used to shape the stones during the construction of Stonehenge?

  • Granite hammers
  • Wooden mallets
  • Metal chisels
  • Sarsen hammer-stones (correct)

Which structure was built using post and lintel construction at Stonehenge?

  • Trilithon Horseshoe (correct)
  • Altar Stone
  • Slaughter Stone
  • Heel Stone

Which rivers define Mesopotamia, meaning 'the land between the rivers'?

  • Nile and Amazon
  • Danube and Mississippi
  • Tigris and Euphrates (correct)
  • Ganges and Indus

What motivated early civilizations to settle in Mesopotamia?

<p>Abundance of water (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the significant constructions by the Sumerians in Mesopotamia?

<p>Ziggurats (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What feature is prominently observed in the Sarsen Circle at Stonehenge?

<p>Continuous lintels (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Heel Stone in Stonehenge?

<p>It aligns with the summer solstice sunrise. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which ancient civilizations are included in the broader geographic area referred to as Mesopotamia?

<p>Sumer, Assyria, and Babylonia (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the time frame of the Paleolithic period?

<p>30,000 BCE to 10,000 BCE (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of female goddesses in prehistoric art?

<p>They symbolize the Earth Mother and fertility. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered the oldest known sculpture in the world?

<p>Figurines from Hohle Fels cave (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What theory about art evolution is challenged by the intricate designs of Hohle Fels cave sculptures?

<p>Art progressed in a gradual manner over time. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What purpose did rock carving serve for prehistoric peoples?

<p>As a form of artistic expression. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Cave of Lascaux contain?

<p>A museum of prehistoric art and a research institute (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What might some researchers believe regarding the purpose of the figures found in Hohle Fels cave?

<p>They are evidence of early Shamanism. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How deep is Lascaux cave from its entrance to the deepest chamber?

<p>250 meters (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of stone carving done by prehistoric humans?

<p>It included abstract swirls and symbols. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the Great Hall of the Bulls?

<p>A chamber depicting three groups of animals (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How were divine beings perceived in many early societies?

<p>As female beings with nurturing powers. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What remarkable feature does the Painted Gallery showcase?

<p>Several impressive Paleolithic images (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which event led to the discovery of Lascaux cave?

<p>The fall of a pine tree (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant narrative is portrayed in the Shaft of the Dead Man?

<p>A confrontation between a humanoid figure and a bison (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where is the entrance of the Lascaux cave located?

<p>Halfway up the side of the hill (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which animals are prominently featured in the Great Hall's artwork?

<p>Horses, bulls, and stags (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Gudea in Sumerian art?

<p>He is a governor often depicted in a specific style. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which materials were typically used in the creation of Sumerian sculptures?

<p>A mix of various materials including metal, wood, and stone. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Warka Vase symbolize?

<p>The entrance to a temple dedicated to a goddess. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the tallest figure in the Tell Asmar sculptures represent?

<p>The god of vegetation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the Innana-Female Head from Uruk is notable?

<p>It shows evidence of being part of a life-size statue made from various materials. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of the sculptures from Tell Asmar?

<p>They have large, staring eyes and depict a hierarchy of figures. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why was the mixing of materials in Sumerian sculptures significant?

<p>It allowed for more creative freedom in construction and manipulation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The presence of mother-goddesses in ancient Sumerian culture reflects what societal aspect?

<p>An emphasis on fertility and agriculture. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one notable method of wood usage in Sumerian art?

<p>Wood was inlaid with shell and semi-precious stones. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a cylinder seal?

<p>To roll over wet clay and leave an impression. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of sculpture was most common in Sumerian art?

<p>Relief carvings on stone plaques. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Hammurabi known for?

<p>Compiling the Codification of Babylonian Laws. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the Law Code of Hammurabi significant?

<p>It is an icon of art, history, and literature. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What themes are primarily depicted in Assyrian relief sculptures?

<p>Hunting and warfare. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which city served as a central location in the Assyrian Empire?

<p>Kalhu, known today as Nimrud. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the figures in Assyrian art?

<p>Stylized and unrepresentative forms. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What major empire did the Persians conquer in 539 BCE?

<p>The Babylonian Empire (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which Persian ruler made Persepolis the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenian Empire?

<p>Darius I (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What notable feature characterized the columns of Darius' Palace in Persepolis?

<p>They had elaborate carvings. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common motif found on Persian pottery?

<p>Geometric patterns (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant development in culture did the Persians contribute to art history?

<p>Hand-painted pottery (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of structure became a hallmark of the Persian architecture, as seen in Persepolis?

<p>Grand palaces (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about the remnants of Darius' Palace after the invasion by Alexander the Great?

<p>Only the columns and stairways survived. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who were the Phoenicians, as described in relation to the Persians?

<p>A seafaring people along the modern coast of Lebanon (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Stonehenge construction phases

Stonehenge was built in three main phases: wooden poles were placed, then a circle of large stones was constructed, and finally, smaller stones were arranged within and around the larger ones.

Sarsen Circle

A large circle of large stones, part of Stonehenge's construction.

Trilithon Horseshoe

A horseshoe-shaped structure in Stonehenge made of tall, standing stones, with lintel stones on top.

Post and Lintel Construction

A method of building where vertical posts support horizontal beams or lintel stones.

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Mesopotamia location

The land between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, in modern-day Iraq.

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Water's importance in ancient civilizations

Rivers provided essential resources for survival: drinking water, agriculture, transportation.

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Sumerians

One of the earliest groups to settle Mesopotamia.

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Stonehenge construction tools

Deer antlers were used for digging holes and sarsen hammer-stones for shaping stones.

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Gudea Statues

Portraits of Gudea, often wearing a Persian lamb fur cap (ensi).

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Tell Asmar Votive Statues

Tall, bearded figures with large eyes and pleated skirts; a hierarchy of size represents different social classes.

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Warka Vase

The oldest carved stone ritual vase from ancient Sumer, depicting people approaching a goddess.

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Inanna Head

A limestone statue of the Sumerian goddess Inanna (later to become a moon goddess), possibly part of a larger wood statue.

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Mixed Materials in Sumerian Sculptures

Ancient Sumerian artists often used different materials (e.g. wood, gold, bitumen, lapis lazuli) in sculptures because of material scarcity, also for artistic freedom.

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Ensi

The Sumerian title for a governor, often associated with a specific type of cap.

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Votive Statue

A statue dedicated to a deity, often representing individuals who prayed.

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Cult Goddess

A goddess venerated in religious ceremonies, often associated with a temple.

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Sumerian Inlay

Elaborate decoration on wooden objects, often using shell and semi-precious stones for intricate scenes.

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Cylinder Seal

A cylinder-shaped, engraved stone used to create impressions in clay, acting like a stamp.

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Sumerian Relief Sculpture

Stone plaques with scenes in horizontal rows (registers), often attached to temple walls.

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Hammurabi

Babylonian king known for creating a comprehensive code of laws.

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Assyrian Relief Sculpture

A common form of Assyrian art, often depicting hunting and warfare scenes on public buildings.

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Assyrian Capital

Kalhu (now Nimrud) was a major city in the ancient Assyrian empire.

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Law Code of Hammurabi

A collection of Babylonian laws created (or compiled) by Hammurabi.

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Relief carving

A form of carving in which figures or images project from a flat background.

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Prehistoric art

Art created more than 5,000 years ago, before written language existed.

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Paleolithic period

The "Old Stone Age", spanning from 30,000 BCE to 10,000 BCE, a significant period in prehistoric art.

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Prehistoric female deities

Female figures often represented the Earth Mother, symbolizing fertility, harvests, and hunting.

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Hohle Fels figurines

The oldest known sculptures, carved from mammoth bone, depicting a lion-man, water bird, and horse.

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Purpose of Hohle Fels figurines

The purpose of these figurines is debated, possibly for respect of nature or as evidence of early shamanism.

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Prehistoric rock carving

An artistic form using symbols and swirls etched into large rock surfaces.

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Shamanism

The practice of early societies contacting the spirit world through shamans who could enter a trance.

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Old Stone Age

Another name for the Paleolithic period, highlighting its association with stone tools.

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Who were the Persians?

The Persians were an ancient civilization that emerged in the eastern borders of the civilized world, conquering Babylon and establishing a vast empire that stretched across Mesopotamia, Egypt, Syria, and parts of Asia Minor and India.

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What is Persepolis?

Persepolis was the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenian Persian Empire, renowned for its grand palaces, monuments, and temples. It was built by Darius I, who aimed to create a spectacular showcase of Persian power and culture.

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Describe Darius' Palace in Persepolis.

Darius' Palace in Persepolis was built on a man-made terrace of stone. It featured massive stone columns supporting solid wood ceilings, and intricate carvings adorned the columns and building surfaces.

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What is a distinctive Persian art form?

The Persians are notable for their hand-painted pottery, which showcases simple geometric, floral, and animal motifs. The lotus bloom, symbolizing life, is a common feature.

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Who were the Phoenicians?

The Phoenicians were a seafaring civilization located along the modern coast of Lebanon. They were known for their successful maritime trade and influenced other cultures in the region.

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What is the Fertile Crescent?

The Fertile Crescent is a region in the Middle East, encompassing the land surrounding the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, where many ancient civilizations flourished.

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Why is the Fertile Crescent important?

The Fertile Crescent was crucial for the development of early civilizations because its abundant water resources supported agriculture, trade, and the growth of complex societies.

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What are some other cultures that existed in the Fertile Crescent?

While the Tigris and Euphrates valleys were central to many civilizations, other cultures flourished in the region as well, including the Phoenicians.

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Lascaux Cave Location

Lascaux Cave is located in Southern France, on the northern slopes of the Pyrenees mountains.

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Lascaux Cave Discovery

The cave was accidentally discovered in 1940 by four teenagers who stumbled upon its hidden entrance, which had become visible after a large pine tree fell nearby.

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Lascaux's Impressive Galleries

Lascaux contains 9 chambers known as galleries. The most impressive are the Great Hall of the Bulls and the Painted Gallery, both showcasing the cave's remarkable artwork.

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Great Hall of the Bulls

This gallery features a range of animal depictions, including horses, bulls, and stags. The composition showcases a unique arrangement of these animals, with a focus on bulls.

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Lascaux's Painted Gallery

This gallery is recognized as a pinnacle of Paleolithic art, showcasing stunning artwork including the 'Great Black Bull', a large black cow with an unusual movement, and the series of 'Chinese Horses'.

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The Shaft of the Dead Man

A small chamber within Lascaux that depicts a scene of a humanoid confrontation with a bison and a fleeing rhinoceros. This scene is unique for its narrative possibilities.

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Lascaux Reproduction

A copy of the Lascaux Cave exists as part of a complex that includes a museum, a research institute and a restoration lab.

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Lascaux: Prehistory's Greatest Masterpiece

Lascaux Cave, with its intricate paintings and sculptures, remains one of the most significant examples of early human artistic expression and offers a window into the life of prehistoric peoples.

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Study Notes

Prehistoric Art Overview

  • Prehistoric art encompasses works created over 5,000 years ago, predating written language
  • Paleolithic period (30,000 BCE to 10,000 BCE) is a significant period, often referred to as the “Old Stone Age”

Prehistoric Spirituality

  • Early humans attributed events to supernatural beings, greater than themselves
  • Many early societies viewed divine beings as female

Female Divine Beings in Prehistoric Art

  • Female goddesses often represented the Earth Mother
  • Depicted as symbols of fertility, harvest, hunting, and human reproduction

Oldest Known Sculpture

  • Three small figurines (lion-man, water bird, horse) from Hohle Fels cave, Southern Germany
  • Dated between 30,000 and 33,000 years old
  • These figurines are significant in challenging gradual evolution theories of art due to their sophistication

Other Prehistoric Art Forms

  • Rock carvings with abstract swirls and symbols were created by prehistoric peoples.
  • One prominent example is the entrance stone to the Newgrange tomb complex in Ireland (around 3200 BCE)

Altamira Cave

  • Located in Santillana del Mar, Spain
  • Accidentally discovered in 1886
  • Its prehistoric chronology wasn't recognized until 1902
  • The Polychromatics room contains some of the most beautiful early prehistoric art, including numerous animal figures (primarily bison)

Archeological Dating Methods

  • C14-dating was used to establish the time of habitation/presence in the Altamira cave
  • Cave imagery includes animal figures, abstract signs, negative hands, and humanoid figures

Altamira Artwork Significance

  • Paintings are dynamic, show movement, and employ varied textures
  • Paintings use few colors (red, black, ochre) within a challenging environment (dark, cold)

Lascaux Cave

  • Located in Southern France
  • Discovered in 1940 by four teenagers
  • Nine galleries and chambers extend 250 meters into the ground
  • The Great Hall of the Bulls and the Painted Gallery are particularly impressive due to their large depictions of animals (horses, bulls, stags)

Images in the Great Hall

  • Includes a unicorn figure, a herd of horses, three large aurochs figures
  • Often considered the pinnacle of Paleolithic art
  • Showcases impressive images of large black bison, goats, aurochs, horses, deer, and hinds

Materials and Techniques

  • Carvings and paintings were created using simple tools and colors in challenging environments.
  • Examples include mammoth bone, stone carvings and painting on cave walls

Additional Aspects of Human History

  • Cave art played important roles in early societies in offering religious narratives, depicting daily life and/or expressing feelings and stories.

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Description

This quiz explores the intriguing world of prehistoric art, highlighting its origins and significance. It covers essential themes such as the representation of female divine beings and notable sculptures from the Paleolithic period. Test your knowledge on how early humans expressed spirituality through art.

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