A massive block of limestone in France contains what scientists
believe are the earliest known engravings of wall art dating back some
37,000 years, according to a study published Monday.
The 1.5-metric-ton ceiling piece was first discovered in 2007 at Abri
Castanet, a well known archaeological site in southwestern France that
holds some of the earliest forms of artwork, beads and pierced shells.
According to New York University anthropology professor Randall White,
lead author of the paper in the “Proceedings of the National Academy of
Sciences,” the art was likely meant to adorn the interior of a shelter
for reindeer hunters.
“They decorated the places where they were living, where they were
doing all their daily activities,” White told AFP. “There is a whole
question about how and why, and why here in this place at this
particular time you begin to see people spending so much time and energy
and imagination on the graphics.”
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.