PREHISTORIC ROCK PAINTINGS

1. Background

• Prehistory: A period in the past when there was no paper or the written word and hence no books or written accounts of events. Information about such an age is obtained from excavations which reveal paintings, pottery, habitat, etc.
• Drawings and paintings were the oldest form of artistic expression practised by humans. Reasons for such drawings: Either to decorate their homes, or/and to keep a journal of events in their lives.
• Lower and Middle Palaeolithic Periods have not shown any evidence of artworks so far. The Upper Palaeolithic Age shows a lot of artistic activities.
• Earliest paintings in India are from the Upper Palaeolithic Age.
• The first discovery of rock paintings in the world was made in India by archaeologist Archibald Carlleyle in 1867 – 68 (in Sohagighat, Mirzapur District, and Uttar Pradesh).
• Rock paintings have been found in the walls of caves in Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Karnataka, some in the Kumaon Hills of Uttarakhand.
• Paintings at the rock shelters at Lakhudiyar on the banks of the Suyal River (Uttarakhand)
  • 3 categories of paintings: man, animal and geometric patterns in black, white and red ochre.
  • Humans in stick-like forms, a long-snouted animal, a fox, a multiple-legged lizard, wavy lines, groups of dots and rectangle-filled geometric designs, hand-linked dancing humans.
• Paintings in Kupgallu (Telangana), Piklihal and Tekkalkota (both in Karnataka)
  • Mostly in white and red ochre.
  • Subjects are bulls, sambhars, elephants, sheep, gazelles, goats, horses, stylised humans and tridents.

• Paintings in the Vindhya ranges at Madhya Pradesh extending into Uttar Pradesh –
• About 500 rock shelters at Bhimbetka in the Vindhya Hills in Madhya Pradesh.
• Images of hunting, dancing, music, elephant and horse riders, honey collection, animal fighting, decoration of bodies, household scenes, etc.
• Bhimbetka drawings can be categorised into.
  • Period I: Upper Palaeolithic
  • Period II: Mesolithic
  • Period III: Chalcolithic

2. Bhimbetka paintings

• Continuous occupation of these caves from 100000 BC to 1000 AD.
• Discovered by archaeologist V S Wakankar in 1957 – 58.
• One of the oldest paintings in India and the world.

Period I (Upper Palaeolithic)

Upper Paleolithic paintings represent some of the earliest forms of art created by humans. These ancient paintings, dating back tens of thousands of years, are found in caves and rock shelters across different parts of the world. They offer glimpses into the lives, beliefs, and artistic abilities of prehistoric societies. Here are some key points:

1. Age and Locations: Upper Paleolithic paintings date from around 40,000 to 10,000 years ago. They are found in regions such as France, Spain, Indonesia, Australia, and various parts of Africa.

2. Subjects and Themes: These paintings typically depict animals, human figures, hunting scenes, and geometric shapes. Animals like bison, horses, mammoths, and deer are commonly featured, often in motion or engaged in hunting scenes.

3. Techniques and Materials: Artists used various techniques, including finger painting, blowing pigment through a tube, and using brushes made from natural materials. Pigments derived from minerals, charcoal, and natural dyes were used to create the colors.

4. Significance: These paintings are believed to have had ritual, symbolic, or storytelling purposes, possibly linked to hunting rituals, spiritual beliefs, or cultural practices. They offer insights into the cognitive abilities and cultural practices of early human societies.

5. Preservation and Study: Many of these paintings were remarkably well-preserved due to the protected environments of caves and rock shelters. Scientists and archaeologists study these artworks using various methods, including dating techniques, pigment analysis, and studying the surrounding archaeological context.

6. Chauvet Cave and Lascaux Cave: Notable sites like the Chauvet Cave in France and the Lascaux Cave in southwestern France contain some of the most famous and well-preserved Upper Paleolithic paintings, showcasing the sophistication and artistic skills of ancient humans.

These paintings represent a fascinating window into the past, offering clues about the early artistic expressions, beliefs, and daily lives of our ancient ancestors. Their significance lies not only in their aesthetic beauty but also in their cultural and historical importance in understanding human evolution and creativity

Period II (Mesolithic)

Mesolithic paintings refer to the artistic expressions created by human societies during the Mesolithic period, which occurred roughly from around 10,000 to 5,000 years ago, following the conclusion of the last Ice Age. Unlike the famous cave paintings of the Upper Paleolithic, Mesolithic art is less prevalent and generally less elaborate, yet it still provides valuable insights into the lives and cultures of these ancient peoples. Here are some key aspects:

1. Transition Period: The Mesolithic era marks a transitional phase between the Paleolithic (Old Stone Age) and the Neolithic (New Stone Age). During this time, humans shifted from a predominantly nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyle to a more settled existence.

2. Artistic Expressions: Mesolithic art primarily consisted of smaller, portable objects, such as carved figurines, small sculptures, and engravings on bone, antler, or stone. These artworks often depicted animals, human figures, geometric designs, and everyday activities.

3. Materials and Techniques: Artists of the Mesolithic period used various materials including bone, antler, stone, and occasionally clay for their creations. Tools such as flint or stone implements were used for carving and engraving.

4. Themes and Functions: Mesolithic art is believed to have served multiple functions, potentially including religious or ceremonial purposes, storytelling, or as decorative items. Some objects may have had symbolic or ritualistic significance within the cultural context of these societies.

5. Locations: Mesolithic art has been found across different regions globally, but it is not as widespread or well-preserved as Upper Paleolithic cave paintings. Sites in Europe, Scandinavia, North Africa, and parts of Asia have yielded Mesolithic artifacts and artistic expressions.

6. Significance: While less prominent compared to Paleolithic cave art, Mesolithic art remains crucial in understanding the cultural and social evolution of early human societies. These artifacts provide valuable insights into the lifestyles, beliefs, and artistic capabilities of Mesolithic communities.

The study of Mesolithic art, although often consisting of smaller and less preserved artifacts compared to earlier periods, contributes significantly to our understanding of the transition from hunting and gathering to more settled lifestyles, marking an important phase in human cultural development

Period III (Chalcolithic)

Chalcolithic paintings refer to the artistic expressions produced during the Chalcolithic period, also known as the Copper Age or Eneolithic period, which occurred roughly between 4500 BCE to 3300 BCE in various regions across the world. This era marked a significant shift in human technological advancements, particularly the use of copper alongside stone tools. However, compared to the elaborate cave paintings of the Paleolithic era, Chalcolithic paintings are relatively scarce.

1. Materials and Techniques: Chalcolithic paintings were predominantly found on pottery, walls of dwellings, rock shelters, and occasionally on rocks. The pigments used were typically derived from natural minerals, charcoal, or plant-based dyes, and applied using brushes, fingers, or other tools.

2. Themes and Subjects: Art from the Chalcolithic period often depicted geometric patterns, abstract designs, stylized human figures, animals, and symbols. These artistic representations are believed to have had ritualistic, religious, or symbolic significance within the community.

3. Locations: Chalcolithic paintings have been discovered in various parts of the world, including the Middle East, South Asia (such as the Indus Valley Civilization), parts of Europe (like the Iberian Peninsula), and parts of Central and South America.

4. Significance: Chalcolithic art represents the cultural, social, and technological developments of human societies during this transitional period. The introduction of metalworking and the shift towards settled communities led to the creation of art that reflected the evolving cultural identities and belief systems of these societies.

5. Context and Interpretation: Interpretation of Chalcolithic art often relies on archaeological context, including the sites where these artworks are found, their proximity to settlements or ceremonial areas, and their relationship with other artifacts. However, due to the limited availability and preservation of Chalcolithic paintings, deciphering their exact meanings can be challenging.

Chalcolithic paintings, though relatively sparse compared to earlier and later periods, provide valuable glimpses into the cultural and artistic expressions of ancient societies transitioning towards more complex forms of social organization and technological advancements. Studying these artworks helps in understanding the early stages of human civilization and the ways in which art was intertwined with daily life and belief systems during this pivotal period