St.

Dominic College of Asia

School of Arts, Sciences, and Education
General Education Department

Art in Early Civilizations

Joseph Guinto Navarro, MA

Professor, Art Appreciation
 Goals for this lesson:

Discuss and examine the origin of art during the prehistoric stage.

Determine the predominant themes and techniques of prehistoric art.

Relate art, other social institutions in terms of the early civilizations.

 Art in Early Civilization:

STONE AGE – Is a term used to

describe a period of history
when stones were used to
make tools for survival.
•The term conjures an image
of men and women dressed in
skin, huddling before a fire in a
cave.
•Stone Age roughly span the
14,000-2,000 BCE.
 Art in Early Civilization:

THREE PERIODS OF STONE AGE

°PALEOLITHIC – the late years of the old Stone Age.
°MESOLITHIC – Middle Stone Age.
°NEOLITHIC - New Stone Age.
 Art in Early Civilization:

In unearthing of archeological artifacts and remains provides modern society a glimpse of

the beliefs, practices, and activities of early civilization. The motives and reasons behind the
creation of ancient materials such as sculptures, painting, and architectural structures may
not be clearly defined. Nevertheless, the early people produced such material that reflect
their attitudes and belief system on spiritual, social, political, and economic matters.
 Art in Early Civilization:

As the early humans started to transition from being nomads to permanent settlers, their everyday
activities also had some changes, which is evident through the materials and even the works of art
they have created. Despite changes as a result of adapting to their environment, there are central
themes in their artworks. Most ancient artworks depict religious symbols, a wide array of
organisms from nature and activities of everyday life.
Prehistoric Art:

The Stone Age has witnessed how humans were able to lead
more stable lives and eventually come up with permanent
shelters and tools for survival.To complement this stability and
sense of Permanence, early humans also turned to the Creation
of paintings and sculptures that depict humans, animals, and
their natural habitats
 Prehistoric Art:

Halls Of Bulls
Paleolithic Art is a product of climate
change. As the climate got colder, part of
the early humans’ instinct is to look for
shelters that would provide them will
warmth. Caves became protective havens
for the early humans and these caves
paved the way for the birth of their first Found in the cave
attempt to create art. in Lascauz, France
 Prehistoric Art:

Mesolithic Art
The “Venus of Willendorf.”
This figure is a highly abstracted woman
From highlighted body parts associated
with fertility.
The representation may show the
importance of taking care of these
body parts for procreation and
the survival of species.
 Prehistoric Art:

Neolithic Art
STONEHENGE IN ENGLAND
The purpose of this fascinating edifice
remains a mystery up to this day age.
Some regard it as a temple while others
see it as complex calendar the tracked
the movements of both the Sun and
Moon. Others ascribe some magical
element to it by associating it with
Merlin the Magician from King Arthurs’s
story.
 Egyptian Art:

•Ancient Egyptian art reached considerable

sophistication in painting and sculpture , and was
both highly stylized and symbolic.
•The Nile River, with its predictable flooding and
abundant natural resources, allowed the ancient
Egyptian civilization to thrive sustainably and
culturally. Much of the surviving art comes from
tombs and monuments; hence, the emphasis on
life after death and the preservation of
knowledge of the past. In a narrower sense,
Ancient Egyptian art refers to the second and
third dynasty art developed in Egypt from 3000
BCE and used until the third century.
•Most elements of Egyptian art remained
remarkably stable over this 3,000 year period,
with relatively little outside influence.
 Incas (Peru) Art:

The Incas considered textiles

to be the most coveted form
of art. Highly polished
metalwork, ceramics, and
ceramics are excellent
examples of Inca art. A
common feature of Inca art is
the use of geometric shapes,
their standardization, and
technical perfection.
 Mayan (Meso-America) Art:

There are many forms of

Mayan art, including stone
sculpture, architecture,
ceramics, wood carving, and
paintings on walls. There was
an exceptional level of stone
sculpture and stonework
among Mayan artists.
Aztecs (Mexico) Art:

The Aztecs created a rich

variety of art works
from massive stone
sculptures to miniature,
exquisitely carved
gemstone insects. They
made stylized hand crafted
pottery, fine gold and silver
jewelry and breathtaking
feather work garments
 References
Roldan, A.N., & Dellosa, C. (2019) A Course Module on Art Appreciation. Rex Publishing
House.Philippines

Nery, I. & Cruz, B. (2018) Art Appreciation. JTCA Publishing. Philippines

Sedgwick, J. (1959) Art Appreciation Made Simple. Doubleday and Company, Inc. United
States

https://www.ducksters.com/history/aztec_maya_inca.php