Prehistoric Art : The Mythic Birth of Humanity

Art history recognizes the fact that the discovery of the first Western European prehistoric ornate caves of Altamira (Spain), one hundred years ago, the Lascaux caves (France) in 1940, and the Chauvet (France) in 1994, gave birth to a period of wonder and questioning about the function of these images, some of which are more than 30,000 years old. Recent research across the five continents shows that these figurative and symbolic expressions reminiscent of ritualistic practices, play an important part in the life of certain human groups, because they partake in the mythical birth of these groups apparently fascinated by animals which they fight until death comes, and fascinated by the life created by women. 'Prehistoric Art' showcases more than 150 absolutely stunning photographs of rocks and caves covered with prehistoric paintings, along with a very informative text. Includes color illustrations and maps. Jean-Pierre Mohen, PhD in Prehistory, is a specialist of recent prehistory, of megalithic as well as of the beginning of metallurgy. In this book, he is on the quest of the meaning of images in the evolution of the most primitive communities.