Reference no: EM132849630

The Paleolithic period is of monumental importance to us since within it are the beginnings of consciously produced images and carvings. The image above predates consciously produced images and may be an example of recognition, meaning that the pebble was not created by humans but was found near the skeletal remains of our hominid ancestor australopthicus africanus. Since the stone is not a material that is locally found, it is fascinating to consider the possible explanations for how it arrived there.

• Though Paleolithic humans were not living in the painted caves, some were re-visited over thousands of years. The subject matter of most Paleolithic cave images is animals. Most are represented in strict profile (for easy recognition) or in twisted perspective.(so important elements like horns can be included)

Discussion 1: Why did Paleolithic humans begin representation, or the presenting again in a different form, something observed?

It is difficult to imagine a world without images since they are ubiquitous in our lives today, but try to consider the possible transition from recognition of the Makapansgat pebble dating to 3,000,000 BCE to the beautiful and skillful representations of animals in the Paleolithic caves.