Paleolithic Art

The following is an exploration through the world of Paleolithic art. Art is a reflection of someone's deepest thoughts and dreams. Whatever the reason that art is created, it is an opening into the artist's mind. Paleolithic art bridges the people of 20,000 to 30,000 years ago with us.   This is designed to introduce images of the Paleolithic Age.  There is a second part - The Great Leap Forward - that will provide you with greater depth to help you understand the motives and implications of the Paleolithic art that you will see here.  At the end of this short series of pages, you are encouraged to embark on a deeper exploration of this magnificent human achievement. 


Just like us, these people left a mark on the world.

The First Light of the World: Glimpses into Cave Darkness
What does Dolni tell us? The Early Images of Art Begin to Tell a Story
Deep inside the earth, people began to illuminate the darkness so that they could create exquisite art on the walls of caves. Burials are personal reflections of how a culture views people. This early burial exposes a story that makes humanity come alive. The Institute of Ice Age Studies provides a look at the early images drawn by our ancestors.