ANCIENT ARTS

Prehistory
Knowledge of art during the prehistoric period is based on archaeological discoveries. The prehistoric calendar in Europe begun with the Paleolithic age (about 10,000 B.C.) It developed consecutively through the Mesolithic, Neolithic, Bronze, and Iron ages (10,1001,000 B.C.).

 In Europe, most of the archaeological findings have been along the Danube river in the east of Southern France and Spain. They are lightly incised with fluid, curving lines. Naturalism was predominantly depicted. Some sculpture objects during the era included small female statuettes, carved in ivory and stone, apparently with religious importance. These objects revealed great concern with fertility.

 The agrarian economy of the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods made by the people need new tools and implements such as bowls and jugs to cool and store their food. Their shapes were rugged and utilitarian. These early artistic attempts were dictated by circumstances which provided solutions to problems