Global Prehistory

Introduction

• First content-based lecture of the year.
• Begin with global prehistory.
• Focus on two sculptures: Venus of Willendorf and a figure from Aangazal.

Observational Exercise

• Examine the sculptures without external resources.
• Consider:
  • Visual features and stylistic choices.
  • Materials and creation methods.
  • Possible creators and reasons for creation.
  • Size comparison: Venus of Willendorf (4 inches) vs. Aangazal figure (3.5 feet).

Defining Prehistory

• Prehistory: Time before written records.
• Information about this period comes from scientific evidence.
  • Methods used: Carbon dating, stratigraphic dating, contextual evidence.
• Multidisciplinary approach: Anthropology, archaeology, biology, chemistry.

Prehistoric Art

• Prehistoric art has intentionality, beyond survival.
• Tools vs. Art:
  • Tools are shaped deliberately but lack aesthetic intention.

Dating Ancient Objects

• Stratigraphy: Study of geological strata; oldest layers are at the bottom.
• Radiocarbon Dating: Based on carbon-14 decay in organic materials.
• Contextual Evidence: Relies on proximity and associated artifacts for dating.

Human Migration and Climate

• Key species: Homo sapiens, Homo neanderthalensis (Neanderthals), Homo erectus.
• Migration originated in the Rift Valley, Africa.
• Several migration waves, not a single event.
• Climate change facilitated migration via axis wobble and ice ages.
  • Axis wobble made regions more passable.
  • Ice ages created land bridges.

Periods of Prehistoric Art

• Paleolithic (Old Stone Age):

  • Cold climate (glacial period).
  • Hunter-gatherer societies.
  • Art focused on animals and fertile women.
  • Tools and small sculptures made from portable materials.
  • Cave paintings: Animals depicted more often than humans.
  • Twisted perspective art style.

• Neolithic (New Stone Age):

  • Warmer climate due to melting glaciers.
  • Neolithic Revolution: Agriculture and permanent settlements.
  • Art became more narrative and organized.
  • Rise of megaliths and architecture (post and lintel construction).
  • Larger statues due to sedentary lifestyle.

Comparison of Sculptures

• Consider how Venus of Willendorf reflects Paleolithic art characteristics.
• Reflect on Neolithic art features in Aangazal sculpture.

Conclusion

• Apply understanding of Paleolithic and Neolithic art to analyze sculptures.