FREE ESSAY ON PALEOLITHIC VS NEOLITHIC ART

PALEOLITHIC VS NEOLITHIC ART

PALEOLITHIC VS. NEOLITIC ART
The following is a comparison of art from the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods in
history. Paleolithic Art is art that was produced about 32,000 to 11,000 years ago. The
art of the Paleolithic period falls into two main categories: portable pieces, such as
small figurines or decorated objects, and cave art. Paleolithic art usually is classified
as either figurative that is, depicting animals or humans, or nonfigurative, taking the
form of signs and symbols. The portable art of the Paleolithic period was carved out of
bone, antler, or stone, or modeled in clay. They consist of carefully worked small flint
figurines of people, animals and birds, which are schematic and stylized and were
probably used as amulets. This art has been found in much of Europe, in Northern Africa,
and in Siberia. Paleolithic cave art, discovered in the 1860s by French paleontologist
Edouard Lartet, primarily in northern Spain and southern France, takes the form of
paintings, drawings, and engravings on cave walls. Artistic objects made during the
Paleolithic era occupy an important place in history, since this is the only source from
which we can reconstruct and study people of ancient times. The meaning and purpose of
such objects from the Paleolithic era are usually identified with ancient cults. 
Neolithic Art is the art and architecture of the prehistoric period stretching roughly
from 7000 to 3000 BC. Neolithic art was primarily composed of pottery and architecture.
By the Neolithic age the advances in technology such as farming, weaving, the advent of
pottery and the construction of monumental structures such as Stonehenge, indicate that
humankind begin to settle and develop their land. Neolithic people created wooden
figurines of people and animals along with pottery decorated with triangles, spirals,
wavy lines, and other geometric forms on its rough or polished surfaces. There are a
number of articles intended for tribal cults; these are polished stone axe-hammers, one
end terminating with a bear's or elk's head executed with a considerable degree of
realism. Neolithic pottery has been found throughout the Neolithic regions, from the
Middle East through North Africa and the Mediterranean to Europe and the British Isles.
Depending on the particular culture of its origin, such pottery may be cast in forms that
mimic baskets, gourds, bells, or leather sacks. 
In conclusion, the arts in the Paleolithic and the Neolithic time period were different
in many ways and alike also. As man's mind increased, it led into the new age, and the
improved quality of art through these two periods.