Cave Paintings l 35,00 years ago

What are cave paintings? Beautiful, detailed and colorful representations found on the inside of the cave walls and ceilings.

Name several common themes found in cave paintings? Large animals such as bison, horses,deer, tracings of human hands and abstract patterns.

How were these paintings created (tools, pigments)? Water, plant juice, animal blood, soil, charcoal, and a form of iron oxide.What is the most famous cave painting site? Lascaux, France.

Example of a
painting from
Lascaux.

When was it discovered and by whom? In 1940 by four teenage boys. Post an example of cave painting(s) from this cave. 

Why did this cave have to be closed? Because the paintings were being damaged by the carbon dioxide emitted from the tourists. 



What was done to satisfy public curiosity? The French government created Lascaux II, a man-made replica next to the original.

Example of a cave
painting from Altamira
cave.

Post an example of cave painting(s) from Altamira cave. 


In Altamira cave, why do most of the paintings have a red hue? Caused by the red clay in the soul.

Who discovered this site? By Marceline Sanz De Sautuola and his daughter Maria.


How old are the paintings confirmed to be? Nearly 19,000 years.

What is the oldest known cave painting site? Chauvet-Piont Arc.

Example of a
cave painting from
Chauvet-Piont Arc.

When was it discovered and by whom? In 1994 by three speleogists; Elette Brunell Deschamps, Christian Hillaire, and Jean- Mare Chauvet. Post an example of cave painting(s) from this cave. 

What was different about the painting techniques at this site? Walls were scraped clear of debris and 3D effect was created by etching around the edges.

What is "speleology"? The study or exploration of caves.

What three reasons do archeologists and historians believe prehistoric man created cave paintings? To tell a story or recount an event that already happened, as an instructional visual aid to help teach about hunting techniques.