The Lascaux Caves Paintings

     There are many different things that artists of these cave painting could have been trying to express. They could be an illustration of animals that these people often hunted and were integral to survival, or animals that have a particular significance spiritually or in this cultures mythos. It is also possible that the signs and signals painted have meanings we have yet to uncover, such as how certain symbols are used to convey kinship in other cultures. These paintings could be used as a documentation of history and a means of education for younger generations. Lastly, they could be simply for the sake of expression, experimentation, or enhancing the world around them.

    One reason that there are more animals than humans depicted in these cave paintings could be because animals played a larger role in life for those living in this time period. Many people during this time were foragers, relying on hunting for a good portion of their sustenance. Animals were also often the direct cause of migration patters, with groups of foragers following their game. Animal products such as hides and bones were also important in the making of tools, shelter, and other items often integral to cultures. 

    These paintings can tell us about the animals that these people often encountered, as well as how they were viewed based on their depictions. They can also enlighten us as to the types of tools that were often used, the minerals used to painting, and the level of anatomical knowledge these painters had of both humans and animals. 

    Some of the difficulties one could encounter while trying to create these painting would be finding and using the pigments that were desired. Another issue for these painter was being able to reach certain parts of the cave, such as the ceiling, to paint them safely. Cave walls also often have texture that can be difficult to paint over for various reasons, often affecting the tools painters would use to create the desired image.

    One possible function of this art is the documentation of different animals and practices. A second would be to display religious ideas or spiritual practices. A third would be illustrating myths or legends through these images.

    One similarity to modern art is through writing. Whether poetry, fiction, history, writing helps to document past stories and myths and create new ones. Writing is also very important to many religious theology and practices. Music has a similar way of sharing stories and knowledge, as does painting or dancing. Performance art also, although somewhat less mainstream, is a great outlet to express and make statements about certain beliefs. Many of these cave painting are also making statements about their current world, and are influenced by the painters beliefs.

    The art I am presenting is traditional Māori tattooing called tā moko. 

    For the Māori, tā moko serves as a way to elevate status, celebrate an important milestone, such as childhood to adulthood, and to be seen as more attractive by the opposite sex. Many of the symbols are also universal to Māori, and some incredibly personal, allowing them to convey a story through tā moko.

    The culture surrounding tā moko includes the cultural interpretation of the symbols being tattooed. In a way, these symbols and motifs are their own language. Since these tattoos are so meaningful, they often reflect what a person has done in their life, and are not taken lightly. Traditionally moko is carved using a uhi, a type of chisel. 

    One of the ways tā moko benefits Māori society is by emphasizing the value of kinship and family bonds, often reflected in moko motifs. It can also benefit a single person by elevating their social status and making them more desirable. Another positive is the ability of tā moko to document stories and history on the skin. One of the downsides of tā moko is the healing process. Although modern practices of tā moko encourage healthier healing, traditionally the practice and healing process can be quite painful and carry and risk of infection.  

 tā moko