Prehistoric Arts from the Different Parts of the World
The prehistoric period covers the three periods of Stone Age (roughly from 14,000-2,000 BCE) which
include Paleolithic (Old Stone Age), Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age) and the Neolithic (New Stone Age).
Archeological artifacts reveal magnificent artworks found in caves such as the Hall of Bulls in Lascaux,
France during Paleolithic Period. Contours of animal’s body can be seen in the drawings evoking
naturalism. Some say that these kinds of caves also found in other parts of the world served as a kind of
sanctuary where religious rituals are performed. (Caslib,Jr. 2018).
Development in the civilizations are also seen in the Stonehenge located in Southern England which until
now is a mystery. Its purpose is yet unknown.
Chinese Art. Prehistoric art in China emerged during the period 7500BCE to 2000BCE characterized by a
more settled lifestyle based on farming, rearing of domesticated animals which led them to create crafts
such as pottery and weaving. Though arts for them is functional artists were able to focus on
ornamentation and decoration as well. Jewelry, carvings, sculptures in wood and stone. Other forms
evolved in China which capture the richness of the Chinese culture. (www.visual –arts-cork.com)
Egypt Art. Egyptian prehistoric art can be described as spiritual and religious. Tombs were erected for
the pharaohs which shelter them as they journey to the afterlife. They decorated the tombs with the
things they use in daily life. Pharaohs are also given absolute authority and revered as a deity. The
pyramids were constructed by workers who painstakingly moved huge stones and materials ensuring
the excellent quality of the outside and inside of it. The palette of King Namer is larger than the others
and some figures such as lion-like figures with intertwined necks, denoting authority and power of the
king. (Caslib,Jr. 2018)
Philippine Art. The Philippines is known for its Manunggul jar, a burial jar, found in Palawan in the New
Stone Age dated 895-775 BC. It represents the artistry and understanding of early Filipinos about their
belief in the journey that a soul travels in the so called life after death or “kabilang buhay”. The jar’s lid is
designed with two human figures representing two two souls on a vogaye to the afterlife.
(www.nationalmuseum.gov.ph.)
The oldest known works of art form from Philippines prehistory are the Angono petroglyphs. The
Angono petrogylphs are located on the island of Luzon in Rizal province. A petroglyph is an engraving in
a rock face. It can be found all over the world and represents the work of prehistoric peoples. A
petroglyph is different form a petrograph. Petrographs are drawing or painting on a rock face. Some
petroglyphs are thought to be a form of communication. They may be maps or even an early form of
writing. Petroglyphs may also have an important cultural and religious significance to early cultures.
(http:www.alearningfamily.com/main/angono-petroglyphs-prehistoric-philippine-art)
Greek Art. Prehistoric Greek paintings bear motif of sea and nature during the pre-Greek period. In the
next period Egyptian influence can be seen. Human characters are expression of divine system.
Prehistoric sculptures were figures of nude male statues in Daedalic Period. In Classical age came
sculptures of gods and goddesses. The human body became the emphaisis of art during this period.
Moving to later Greek period showed figures of human with minimal clothing. In architecture, Ancient
Greek temples consist of three architectural orders called the Corinthian, Ionic and Doric Orders (Ariola,
M.M., 2014).
Parthenon in Athens reflects the Doric order. It ranks among the masterpieces of world architecture. It
has monumental entrances or propylae. It is best represented by the famous gateway to the Athenian
acropolis.
Roman Art. Greek and Etruscan influences were evident in Roman art.
The Roman important contribution to the development of architecture are: its structural engineering
particularly in developing concrete reinforced by embedded brick arches and powerful materials for
creating new vaults. These were the flexible groined vault and the dome, and the (2) engineering design
in planning cities in orderly blocks and in creating the balanced layout of the great civic centers called
forums.(The Development of Western Thought, Reading in Art…Vol. I 1976, pp.93-94)
