An archaeological exploration of the mysterious world of cave art through the ages
Deep underground, some of humanity’s earliest artistic endeavors have lain untouched for millennia. The dark interiors of caves, wherever they may be found, seem to have had a powerful draw for ancient peoples, who littered the cave floors with objects they had made. Later, they adorned cave walls with sacred symbols and secret knowledge, from the very first abstract symbols and handprints to complex and vivid arrangements of animals and people. Often undisturbed for many tens of thousands of years, these were among the first visual symbols that humans shared with each other, though they were made so long ago that we have entirely forgotten their meaning. However, as archaeologist Bruno David reveals, caves decorated more recently may help us to unlock their secrets.
David tells the story of this mysterious world of decorated caves, from the oldest known painting tools to the magnificent murals of the European Ice Age. Showcasing the most astounding discoveries made in more than 150 years of archaeological exploration, Cave Art explores the creative achievements of our remotest ancestors and what they tell us about the human past.
By:
Bruno David Imprint: Thames & Hudson Country of Publication: United Kingdom Dimensions:
Height: 210mm,
Width: 150mm,
Spine: 16mm
Weight: 540g ISBN:9780500204351 ISBN 10: 0500204357 Series:World of Art Pages: 256 Publication Date:01 February 2017 Audience:
General/trade
,
ELT Advanced
Format:Paperback Publisher's Status: Active
1. Introduction * 2. Discovery * 3. Methods * 4. Beginnings of Art * 5. Earliest Art * 6. Art of the Ice Age * 7. After the Ice Age