Wednesday, 8 November 2023

#170: Representations of the natural world: cave paintings

Humans have represented the natural world in many different ways over the centuries, dating back to cave paintings through a whole range of other art forms: literature, poetry, art, pottery, gardening etc.

The original ideas in the consultation on the specification included a reference to cave paintings. This may form part of a topic called 'Life in the Early World' or more likely 'Representations of the Natural World'.

There are some famous locations where cave paintings have been discovered, which represent the flora and fauna of the time. The drawings capture creatures which are no longer native to the countries where the images are found. The paintings were also made with dyes / paints made from natural sources as well.

A few key locations which would be worth referencing:

1. Lascaux Caves


Source:https://www.flickr.com/photos/centredessciencesdemontreal/13763665525/sizes/l/

This is perhaps one of the best known locations.

The problem with the caves is that visitors change the atmosphere within the caves, due to their respiration adding heat and moisture to the otherwise cool and relatively dry interior of the caves (which was why people lived there).

There is also a good story starter for a mystery which links with Robot the Dog, who disappeared down a hole and helped to discover the cave system.

Visitors are now directed to a replica of the cave which was recreated following 3D scanning of the original spaces to ensure that they are not damaged further.

2. Chauvet Cave

The Chauvet cave, in the Ardeche region of southern France, contains some of the oldest and most remarkable cave drawings ever found - yet it has been sealed shut since its discovery to preserve this precious art.


The cave is the subject of an early film by Werner Herzog.


In this BBC Sounds broadcast he describes the moment. He describes it as being transported to a separate reality.




What other examples of cave paintings could be added to this list of locations?



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