The history of primitive people lives again in the great rock wall next to Oltremare waterfall, between colors and fantasy. Painting Rock is an area dedicated to the history of Rock Paintings, one of the most fascinating testimonies of our remote past.
The study of cave paintings is an interdisciplinary field that provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of our ancestors. Through the work of prehistoric archaeologists and other experts, we can appreciate the beauty and complexity of these ancient works of art and better understand the societies that created them.
The discipline that specifically deals with the study of cave paintings is Prehistoric Archaeology , although other specializations are involved.
• Anthropology: to understand the symbolic and ritual meanings associated with paintings.
• History of art : to analyse artistic techniques and stylistic evolutions that have occurred over time.
• Geology: to date the paintings and study the environment in which they were created.
What do prehistoric archaeologists study when they analyze cave paintings?
• Techniques: the types of pigments used, the tools employed and the application techniques.
• Subjects: the animals, the men and the scenes represented.
• Symbolism: the meaning of images and signs.
• Environmental context: the relationship between the paintings and the surrounding environment (caves, rocks, etc.).
• Dating: the era in which they were created.
These artistic representations made on the walls of caves date back mainly to the Upper Paleolithic . They are "paintings" made on the walls of caves. Prehistoric artists used natural pigments, such as red and black ochre, manganese and charcoal, which they mixed with fatty substances to fix them to the rock. The subjects represented were mainly animals (bison, horses, mammoths), but also human figures, abstract signs and handprints.
Why did they make them?
The reasons that drove prehistoric men to create these works of art are still a matter of debate among scholars. There are several most accredited hypotheses.
• Magical rites: the paintings could have been used during hunting-related rites, to bring good luck or to get in touch with the spirits of animals.
• Communication: They may have been a way to communicate within the group, pass on knowledge or tell stories.
• Artistic expression: simply, prehistoric men may have felt the need to express their creativity and leave a mark of their passage.
Common elements
• Animals: The most common subjects in cave paintings are animals, especially those hunted for food. This suggests a deep connection between man and nature.
• Hunting scenes: Many paintings depict hunting scenes, which may have been used to celebrate past successes or to predict the future.
• Abstract symbols: In addition to realistic representations, there are also numerous abstract signs and symbols, the meaning of which is still a matter of debate.
Where were they found?
They have been discovered in different parts of the world, but the most famous sites are in Europe, especially in France and Spain. Among the most important sites we can mention:
• Lascaux (France) one of the most famous caves in the world, with extraordinarily well-preserved paintings;
• Altamira (Spain) another cave of great importance, with ceilings adorned with numerous animal figures;
• Shove Cave (England) a lesser known site, but which has revealed paintings of great interest.
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