🪨

Graffiti e Arte Preistorica di Valcamonica

Jul 21, 2024

Prehistoric Art and the Graffiti of Valcamonica

Introduction

  • Prehistory and Childhood: Comparison between prehistory and early childhood: both periods characterized by the inability to read and write but the ability to express themselves through drawings.
  • Artistic Expression: Prehistoric humans used images to express themselves, painting on walls or carving on rocks.

Graffiti of Valcamonica

  • Historical Importance: One of the most important testimonies of prehistoric art.
  • Creation Period: About 10,000 years ago.
  • Authors: The ancient inhabitants of the valley, the Camuni.

Techniques and Tools

  • Rock Engraving: Use of stone tools to rub or tap on the rock.
  • Phases and Themes:
    • Paleolithic (10,000 years ago): Images of large animals like deer and elk.
    • Neolithic (8,000 years ago): The first human figures appear, hunting scenes, praying figures (with raised arms).
    • Societal Evolution: Villages, scenes of breeding, agriculture, early carts with wheels.

Representations and Symbolism

  • Reality and Magic: Mixture of daily life with magical and symbolic elements.
  • Map of Bedolina: The oldest planimetric representation made by humans.
  • Fascinating Symbols: Labyrinths, four-petal flowers (Camuna rose - symbol of the Lombardy region).

Historical Significance and Recognitions

  • First Italian UNESCO Site: Valcamonica was included in the list of World Heritage sites in 1979.