Art in Early Civilization

Stone Age is a term used to describe a period of history when stones were used to make tools for survival. The term
“conjures an image of men and women dressed in skins, huddling before a fire in a cave”( Fitchner- Rathus, 2013). Through
prehistoric humans would not necessarily possess the complex rational capabilities to tell their story through written records
and accounts, some artifacts in the form of cave paintings and sculptures would serve as the “storytellers.”

In order to talk about prehistoric art, there is a need to situate them within the context of the three periods of the Stone Age
culture ( which roughly span the 14,000- 2,000 BCE): Paleolithic ( the late years of the Old Stone Age), Mesolithic ( Middle
Stone Age), and the Neolithic ( New Stone Age).

The unearthing of archeological artifacts and remains provides modern society a glimpse of the beliefs, practices, and
activities of early civilizations. The motives and reasons behind the creation of ancient materials such as sculptures,
paintings, and architectural structures may not be clearly defined. Nevertheless, the early people produced such materials
that reflect their attitudes and belief systems on spiritual, social, political, and economic matters. It can be noted that works of
art and architecture were created from a wide array of materials from limestone to precious gems and metals to name a few.
As the early humans started to transition from being nomads to permanent settlers, their everyday activities also had some
changes, which is evident through the materials and even the works of art they have created. Despite changes as a result of
adapting to their environment, there are central themes in their artworks. Most ancient artworks depict religious symbols, a
wide array of organisms from nature and activities of everyday life.

Prehistoric Art

Archeological explorations reveal that there has been a gradual shift from a nomadic lifestyle of early humans to that of
permanent settlements, paving the way for the rise of early civilizations. The Stone Age has witnessed how humans were
able to lead more stable lives and eventually come up with permanent shelters and tools for survival. To complement this
stability and sense of permanence, early humans also turned to the creation of paintings and sculptures that depict humans,
animals, and their natural habitats. It would seem that there were attempts to record the kind of lives they led within that
period of time. Central to the representation of early civilizations would be the establishing of possible linkages among art,
religion, and life.

Paleolithic Art is a product of climate change. As the climate got colder, part of the early humans’ instinct is to look for
shelters that would provide them with warmth. Caves became protective havens for the early humans and these caves paved
the way for the birth of their first attempts to create art. One cave painting can be traced back to Lascaux, France and its
discovery came as a surprise. Two boys chased after their dog into a hole where their ball got stuck in. when they followed
the dog, they were astonished to discover a cave with beautiful paintings. The cave paintings would eventually be called the
“Hall of Bulls.”

The figures depicted on the walls were done with a certain level of crispness and life that there were initial hesitations of the
work’s authenticity. However, evidence later on pointed out that the cave paintings were created during the Paleolithic period.
It is also important to take note that the paintings evoke naturalism, which is evidently seen through the contours of animals’
body and their dark colors. Although most people would think that early humans were primitive, some of their art techniques
were considered advanced for their time. Some of the early humans already used their own version of spray- painting
techniques by using ground pigments blown through reeds or hollowed-out bones since these were the readily available
materials for them. Aside from this spray- painting technique, early humans also worked with foreshortening and contrasting
of lights and shadows. These techniques created the illusion of three-dimensional forms and seemingly real representation of
animals.
Artworks can be considered ornamental but there is little evidence to fully back up this notion, that early humans created
these cave paintings for that very purpose. Most of these works were discovered inside the deep recesses of caves with
paintings all over the walls and ceilings served as a kind of sanctuary for the early humans. As a safe haven, religious rituals
could have possibly transpired within the confines of the caves. Some believed that there was a linkage between what was
drawn and what could happen in real life. For example, drawing or painting the capture of a prey would translate to an actual
capturing of an animal life. In addition, some of the works found reflected some of the early beliefs of humans especially with
life and fertility. One of the works that reflected such beliefs would be a sculpture called the “Venus of Willendorf.” This figure
is a highly abstracted woman from highlighted body parts associated with fertility. Figure 2 shows that the woman has
oversized breasts, enlarged hips, and round abdomen. The representation may show the importance of taking care of these
body parts for procreation and consequently the survival of species.

Neolithic art has developed especially when life for the early humans has become more stable. They have learned to cultivate
the land and domesticate animals. By 4000 BCE, there were several monumental and architectural structures erected. One of
the is the Stonehenge located in Southern England. The purpose of this fascinating edifice remains a mystery up to this day
and age. Some regard it as a temple while others see it as complex calendar that tracked the movements of both the Sun and
Moon. Others ascribe some magical element to it by associating it with Merlin the Magician from King Arthur’s story. For
whatever purpose it was built on, it still remains as one of the architectural wonders the world has ever seen.

As the Neolithic Period drew to a close, it was evident that different elements of civilization flourished in various parts of the
world. It is also notable that most early civilizations emerged and flourished in river valleys: the Nile in Egypt, Indus in India,
Tigris and Euphrates in Mesopotamia, and Huang Ho River in China.

Egyptian Art

The Fertile Ribbon starts from the banks of the Nile River, which flows North to Africa and ventures into the Mediterranean. It
is in this very ribbon where early Egyptians recognized the integral role of the Nile River to their daily lives. It is in this
indispensability and utility that eventually led to the belief that the Nile is to be worshipped as a god. With this came the notion
that art was someth8ng that can be ascribed and associated with religion. The Egyptian civilization can be divided into three
periods: Old, Middle, and New Kingdom. Looking at the three periods, it can be noticed that for the Egyptians, art should be
something religious and spiritual. There may have been differences in the techniques used and style emphasized, but there
are common denominators among artworks created during their respective time periods.
During the Old Kingdom, it was evident that religion was bound to the afterlife. A concrete manifestation of this would have to
be the erection of tombs. But the tombs were not just for keeping the dead bodies of important people, particularly the
pharaohs; they also served as a shelter for the next journey, which is the afterlife. They decorated the tombs with everyday
objects that would reflect day-to-day activities as if the afterlife is mere continuation of what transpired on earth. The human
figures seen in the tombs were represented in such a way that the profile of the head was evident, while the pelvis, legs, and
upper torso were prominent and the eyes are in frontal view. Inside the tombs, the walls were also decorated and carved in
very low relief and incised detail. It can be noticed that the use of color was evident but may have not been widely utilized
because of its relative impermanence.

One of the cosmetic palettes found in Egypt was called the Narmer Palette. It was a palette that utilized and applied dark
colors around King Narmer’s eyes. The palette was also a symbol that commemorates the unification of Upper and Lower
Egypt. The unification was significant because it marked the beginning of their civilization.

At the back of the palette, King Narmer can be seen wearing the crown of Upper Egypt looking victorious over a slain enemy.
In addition, two more dead warriors can be seen beneath him. To his right is a falcon, the god Horus perched on papyrus
stalks, which a symbol of Lower Egypt. The top is sculpted with bull-shaped heads with human features that is a
representation of Hathor. This god symbolizes love and joy. What is very prominent is the king’s size in comparison with the
objects in the palette. Narmer, being the subject, is evidently larger than the people around him. This is a clear indication and
assertion of his royal status. The front palette on the other hand, shows lion like figures with intertwined necks bound on
lashes and tamed by two men. King Narmer is still present at the front side and he is shown reviewing the captured enemies.
In this portrait, he is seen wearing the crown of Lower Egypt and holding some objects that donate power. The Narmer
palette is one of the artifacts that emphasizes the king’s supreme and absolute authority. In most cases, the king is not just an
authority figure but can be depicted and revered as a deity. This common notion among Egyptians is seen in Egyptian tomb
sculptures, which are basically large in dimensions and proportions and made out of hard materials. The choice of materials
is deliberate since they want the sculptures to endure and withstand any condition. Permanence was important because
these sculptures would serve as the house of the ka or soul once the remains of the mummy disintegrate. One striking
features of most sculptures is that regardless of the age of death, the ka figures highlight the prime life of the deceased.

During the Old Kingdom, one of the architectural wonders was also constructed. The pyramids in Giza served as tombs since
their main purpose was to provide a resting place for the pharaohs. These pyramids are massive in size and was constructed
using roughly more than two million limestone blocks. The stones used for the pyramids were quarried from a nearby plateau.
The construction of the pyramids highlighted the ingenuity and advancement of the Egyptians for their time. Workers
painstakingly moved the stone from the plateau going to the construction site using wooden rollers. Stonecutters on the site
carved the blocks in a fine way before stacking them. The stacking process also showed the advancement of the Egyptians
since they already used a system of ropes and pulleys. They finished it off by applying the surface with limestone for a more
refined and flawless finish. The construction of the pyramids did not only show the brilliance of the early Egyptians but it also
highlighted the reverence of the people to their pharaoh at the expense of the citizens. A lot of the workers died or punished
for not reaching the quota in the process of constructing these massive architectural structures. However, they did not stop
ensuring the excellent quality of the outsides. The Egyptians also ensured that the insides of the pyramids would celebrate
the life of their pharaoh by lavishly decorating them. However, it posed a s problem since thieves usually plundered the
valuable objects used to decorate the insides of the pyramids.
One of the key features of the Middle Kingdom is a shift from the hierarchy. There is an emergence of powerful groups of
landlords that threatened the authority and rule of the pharaoh. Because of the internal struggle between these two influential
sides, art has taken a back seat during the Middle Kingdom. In order for art to reemerge and flourish, Egypt needed to have a
more stable situation. This happened during the rule of King Mentuhotep when Egypt eventually got back on track. Art during
the Middle Kingdom had some references from the Old Kingdom, however there some experimentation in terms of style that
transpired during this period. Portrait sculptures and fresco paintings that were freely drawn are some of the styles that
emerged during this period. To solve the problem of thieves that plunder the tombs, the Egyptians made rock-cut tombs by
carving out a living rock. The insides of the tombs were still filled with chamber and the hallways were lavishly decorated to
celebrate the life of the deceased.

Egypt was not immune from foreign invaders and eventually fell into the hands of the Hyksos. This Asiatic tribe introduced
Bronze Age weapons and horses to the Egyptians. When these foreign invaders were overthrown, the Egyptians formed the
New Kingdom. It was a time of expansionism through territorial acquisition. Consequently, with the expansion came an
increase in wealth leading not only to economic but also political stability.

The art of the New Kingdom had references from both of the preceding kingdoms. Monuments and sculptures were still linked
with death and reverence for the deceased. During the previous kingdoms, tombs were just used for worshipping the dead
but with the New Kingdom, they started having mortuary temples. These temples, which were carved out of living rocks,
served not only a sanctuary for the dead but also a place of worship for the living. During this period, Egypt has established
itself as a more advanced and powerful civilization. With this newly found strength and power comes an inflated ego. Their
high regard for their people can be seen through their sculptures built on massive and monumental scales.

After the New Kingdom, Egypt witnessed the Amarna Revolution led by King Akhenaton and Queen Nefertiti. He moved the
capital to Tel El-Amarna, thus the name Amarna. During his reign King Amenhotep wanted to revolutionize the arts and
religion. He later on changed his name to Akhenaton, which came from Aton who is the sun god. This changing of names
also signified the shift in religion. During this period, the only god to be revered was Aton. Egypt became monotheistic and
Akhenaton ordered all to tear down all monuments in reverence to Aton. Most sculptures during this period had curving lines
and full-bodied forms. There is emphasis to life-like features of the face like an elongate jaw and thick –lidded eyes. Most
artists created artworks that are natural and seemingly real, highlighting the features of their subjects. Naturalism was not
only used to depict the pharaoh but also was used for members of the royal family. The bust of Queen Nefertiti has a long
and sensuous neck. This figure was enhanced by applying paint to the limestone.
The use of naturalism in artworks was rather short-lived. When King Akhenaton died, his successors returned to the more
rigid and conventional styles they employed during the period of the kingdoms. They destroyed images and figures of Aton
and subscribed to monotheism.

Probably one of the greatest discoveries from the Egyptian civilization was the tomb of Tutankhamen. He became king at a
very young age and died at the age of eighteen. Howard Carter discovered his tomb in1922. The body of the young king was
covered in linen and a gold mask covered his face.