Lesson 7

LESSON 7
ART’S IN EARLY CIVILAZATION

The Stone Age- refers to a time when stone tools were used for survival, while conjures depict men
and women in skins huddling in caves.
Prehistoric Humans- used cave paintings and sculptures as "storytellers" to tell their stories, but
they didn't have complex rational capabilities, and their study should be contextualized within the
Stone Age culture.
THREE PERIOD OF STONE STAGE

1. Paleolithic (The Late Years of the Old Stone Age)- this era spanned from around 2.6 million years
ago to about 10,000 BCE. During the Paleolithic period, early humans were nomadic hunter-
gatherers, relying on hunting, fishing, and foraging for sustenance. They created simple stone tools
and lived in small, mobile groups.
2. Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age)- the Mesolithic era followed the Paleolithic, occurring roughly from
10,000 BCE to 5,000 BCE. It marked a transitional phase where humans began to adapt to changing
environmental conditions and develop more advanced tools. Settlements became semi-permanent,
and there was increased use of natural resources.
3.Neolithic (New Stone Age)- the Neolithic period began around 10,000 BCE and continued until
approximately 2,000 BCE. It was characterized by a significant shift from hunting and gathering to
agriculture and animal domestication. Humans settled in permanent communities, developed
pottery, and created more sophisticated tools. The Neolithic Revolution marked a crucial turning
point in human history, as it led to the development of agriculture, which allowed for the growth of
civilizations.
Archeological Artifacts reveal early civilizations' beliefs, practices, and activities. Ancient materials,
including sculptures, paintings, and architectural structures, reflect their attitudes on spiritual, social,
political, and economic matters. These works were created from various materials, including
limestone, precious germs, and metals. As humans transitioned from nomads to permanent settlers,
their artworks reflected changes in everyday activities, religious symbols, and nature-inspired
organisms.
Archeological Discoveries show a gradual shift from nomadic lifestyles to permanent settlements,
leading to the rise of early civilizations. The Stone Age saw humans creating permanent shelters and
tools, and creating paintings and scriptures to record their lives. This period highlights the linkages
between art, religion, and life.
Paleolithic Art emerged due to climate change, as early humans sought shelter in caves. The first
cave painting, discovered in Lascaus, France, was discovered by two boys who found beautiful
paintings in a hole where their dog had stuck, later known as the "Hall of Bulls."
Cave Paintings by early humans evoked naturalism through their sharp, lifelike figures. Despite being
considered primitive, they used advanced art techniques like spray-painting, foreshortening, and
contrasting lights and shadows. These techniques created the illusion of three-dimensional forms
and realistic representations of animals, despite initial hesitations about their authenticity.
Cave Paintings discovered in deep recesses, may have served as sanctuary for early humans, allowing
for religious rituals and a connection between the drawings and real-life events. Some works, like the
"Venus of Willendorf" reflect early beliefs about life and fertility, such as the capture of prey and the
connection between art and real-life events.
Venus of Willendorf -Women has over size breasts, enlarged hips and around abdomen. Represent
the Importance of taking care of this body parts for protection and consequently the survive species.
Neolithic Art emerged during stable human life, with Stonehenge in southern England being a
monumental architectural structure. Its purpose remains a mystery, with some viewing it as a
temple, a complex calendar tracking Sun and Moon movements, or a magical element associated
with Merlin from King Arthur's story.
EGYPTIAN ART
Fertile Ribbon- it is where early Egyptians recognized the integral role of Nile River.
Nile River- they have believed that this river should me worshiped as God.
Egyptian Civilization- this civilization can be divided into three periods: the Old, Middle, and New
Kingdom.
Old Kingdom- in this kingdom, religion was bound to the afterlife. A concrete manifestation of this
were the erection of tombs.
Tombs- it where Egyptians keep the dead body of important people, particularly pharaohs. It also
serves as a shelter to the afterlife.
Narmer Palette depicts King Narmen wearing the crown of Upper Egypt, victorious over a slain
enemy, and holding a symbol of power. The top features bull-shaped heads representing Hathor,
symbolizing love and joy. The king's size is prominent, indicating his royal status. The front palette
features lion-like figures with intertwined necks bound on leashes. The Narmer palette emphasizes
the king's supreme authority and the importance of capturing large, hard-to-withstand sculptures for
their preservation and as the house of the Ka or soul.
During the Old Kingdom, Giza's Pyramids were constructed using over 2 million limes stone blocks,
showcasing the Egyptian's giguenity and advancement. Workers used wooden rollers to move stones
from the plateau to the construction site, carving them finely before stacking them. The process
involved rope and pulley, and limestone was applied for a polished finish. The construction of
pyramids also highlighted the reverence of the people to their pharaoh, resulting in many deaths or
punishments. The Egyptians also decorated the insides of the pyramids to celebrate their pharaoh's
life, but thieves often plundered valuable objects. The middle kingdom saw a shift in political
hirerachy, leading to a decline in art. During King Meneses' rule, art experimented with styles like
portrait sculpture and Presco painting.
Egypt was invaded by the Hyksos, who introduced bronze weapons and horses. After being
overthrown, Egypt formed a new kingdom, resulting in increased wealth and political stability. The
art of the new kingdom incorporated elements from both previous kingdoms, with mortuary temples
serving as both a sanctuary for the dead and a place of work. This period saw Egypt become a more
advanced and powerful civilization, with massive and monumental sculptures showcasing their high
regard for their people. The Amarna Revolution, led by King Akhenaton and Queen Nefertiti, led to
a shift in religion and art, with sculptures featuring curving lines and full bodoed forms. Naturalism
was used to depict the royal family and their features.
Naturalism in Egyptian artworks was short-lived, as successors returned to rigid styles after King
Akhenaton's death. Howard Carter discovered the tomb of Tatankhamen, a young king who died at
eighteen. The tomb contained a coffin made of solid gold, linen, and gold mass.

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LESSON 7

ART’S IN EARLY CIVILAZATION

THREE PERIOD OF STONE STAGE

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