Background
Animal images used in prehistoric art and Mesopotamia depict the work of the world’s first artists. In fact, the researchers confirm that the images of animals were presented in the same style and did not differ in style variability. It was always an image of a strict profile of the animal, in which all parts of the body are visible. At the same time, it was a rare occasion to depict human bodies.
Main body
In ancient times, profile drawings of animals may have been important purely for functional purposes – such drawings helped to understand how the animal’s body works. However, much remains unsolved since the ancient people did not leave records deciphering their messages. For example, although bulls and horses were not the main sources of food in the ancient Stone Age, these animals were often depicted. Therefore, researchers need to explore the meanings of animal drawings for a greater understanding of human history.
Perhaps exclusively animal depictions have ceased as human thought, and drawing skills have evolved over time. The needs of the ancients rose to new levels, so they wanted to depict human bodies, religious symbols, or even tell a story through images. Besides, the ancient people probably felt the strength in their bodies, realizing they could be on an equal footing with the most developed animals. Consequently, the focus shifted from admiring the images of animals to focusing on the human body.
In the era of rationalism and pragmatism, the images of animals lost their extra human essence. Many artists strive to depict animals as accurately as possible. Others create mythical unions that combine the signs of man and animals (centaurs). But these archetypes certainly do not have the same qualities and meanings that animal images had in prehistoric times.
Summary
One of the key findings from the readings is that painters in prehistoric times depicted animals in the same way: in a strict profile. It is crucial to note this because the similarity in approach between different tribes is fascinating. The second key aspect is that these pictures of animals were usually found in caves. Most likely, this is because ancient people chose caves as a place to live. The new fact was the absence of any consensus between scholars on the meanings of animal images. This topic is still a matter of active debate among researchers.