Prehistoric art : the mythical birth of humanity
(Book - Regular Print)

Includes bibliographical references (page 206).

Art history recognizes the fact that the discovery of the first Western European prehistoric ornate caves of Altamira (Spain), one hundred years ago, the Lascaux caves in 1940 (France) and the Chauvet one in 1994 (France), gave birth to a period of wonder and questionning about the function of these images, some of which are more than 30 000 years old. Recent research across the 5 continents shows that these figurative and symbolic expressions reminiscent of ritualistic practices, play an important part in the life of certain human groups, because they partake in the mythical birth of these groups apparently fascinated by animals which they fight until death comes, and fascinated by the life created by women. Prehistoric Art showcases more than 150 absolutely stunning photographs of rocks and caves covered with prehistoric paintings, along with a very informative text. -- from back cover.