Cave Paintings | 35,000 years ago

What are cave paintings? detailed and colorful representations found on cave walls and ceilings. 

Name several common themes found in cave paintings? large animals and tracings of humans hands and abstract patterns

How were these paintings created (tools, pigments)? water, plant juice, animal blood, soil, charcoal, and hematite. brushes - sticks, small stones, leaves, animal hair.

What is the most famous cave painting site? When was it discovered and by whom? Lascaux by four teenage boys. Discovered in 1940
Post an example of cave painting(s) from this cave.

Why did this cave have to be closed? What was done to satisfy public curiosity? becase the wall paintings were being damaged by carbon dioxide. The French government created a manmade replica right next to the original.
Post an example of cave painting(s) from Altamira cave.


In Altamira cave, why do most of the paintings have a red hue? caused by the red clay in the soil that was used to make paint

Who discovered this site? How old are the paintings confirmed to be? Maceline Sanz de Sautuoula and his daughter Maria. Made nearly 19,000 years ago

What is the oldest known cave painting site? When was it discovered and by whom? Chauvet - Point Arc. in 1994 discovered by 3 speleogists. Post an example of cave painting(s) from this cave.

What was different about the painting techniques at this site? The walls were scraped clear of debris and a 3D effect was created by etching the image around the edges. They found fossilized remains.

What is "speleology"? the study or exploration of caves.
What three reasons do archeologists and historians believe prehistoric man created cave paintings?
1. created to tell a story, or recount an event.
2. created as a visual aid to teach about hunting.
3. created for magical or religious reasons. if it were painted - it might come true!