Cave Paintings | 35,000 years ago

What are cave paintings?
Cave paintings are beautiful, detailed, and colorful representations found on the inside of cave walls and ceilings.
Name several common themes found in cave paintings?
The most common themes are large animals such as bison, horses, deer, tracings of human hands, and abstract patterns.
How were these paintings created (tools, pigments)?
Paints were made from mixing water, plant juice, animal blood, soil charcoal, and hematite, a form of iron oxide.  Brushes were made by putting together sticks, small stones, leaves, and animal hair.
What is the most famous cave painting site? When was it discovered and by whom?Post an example of cave painting(s) from this cave.
The most famous cave painting site is in Lascaux, France.  It was discovered in 1940 by four teenage boys.

Why did this cave have to be closed? What was done to satisfy public curiosity?
It closed because the paintings were being damaged by the carbon dioxide emitted from the tourists.  To satisfy public interest, the French government created Lascaux II, a man-made replica next to the original.Post an example of cave painting(s) from Altamira cave.

In Altamira cave, why do most of the paintings have a red hue?
Most of the paintings have a red hue caused by the red clay in the soil.
Who discovered this site? How old are the paintings confirmed to be?
Altamira was dicovered by Marceline Sanz De Sautuola and his daughter Maria.  The paintings were created 19,000 years ago.
What is the oldest known cave painting site? When was it discovered and by whom?Post an example of cave painting(s) from this cave.
The oldest known cave painting site is Chauvet-Point Arc.  It was discovered in 1994 by three speleologists: Eliette Brunell Deschamps, Christian Hillaire, Jean-Marie Chauvet.

What was different about the painting techniques at this site?
Walls were scraped clear of debris and a 3D effect was created by etching around the edges.
What is "speleology"?
Speleology is 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.  Created for magical or religious reasons that if an image of a desired event were painted it might come true.