Glossary
Abstract Art
Art that does not attempt to represent external reality accurately, instead using shapes, forms, colors, and textures to achieve its effect. It often conveys ideas or emotions.
Example:
The Abstract Art of the San people, as seen in the Apollo 11 Stones, allowed for portable and versatile expressions of their spiritual beliefs.
Ambum Stone
A greywacke sculpture from Papua New Guinea, depicting an anteater-like creature or a stylized human figure. It is believed to have been used in rituals and ceremonies.
Example:
The enigmatic form of the Ambum Stone suggests its profound importance in the spiritual and ceremonial life of the ancient New Guinea Highlanders.
Apollo 11 Stones
Fragments of stone slabs found in Namibia, Africa, bearing zoomorphic images. They are among the earliest known examples of human-made art.
Example:
The discovery of the Apollo 11 Stones pushed back the timeline for when humans began creating art, showing sophisticated thought in early hunter-gatherer societies.
Ceramic
A material made from clay and other raw materials, shaped, and then hardened permanently by heat (firing). It is fundamental to pottery and sculptural art.
Example:
The vibrant colors and intricate details of ancient Greek vases are a testament to the versatility and beauty achievable with Ceramic as an art medium.
Ceramic Art
Artworks made from clay that has been shaped and then hardened by firing at high temperatures. This technique allowed for durable and versatile creations.
Example:
The intricate details and smooth finish of the Tlatilco Female Figure demonstrate the advanced Ceramic Art techniques developed by the Olmec culture.
Cultural Context
The historical, social, economic, and religious environment in which an artwork was created. Understanding this context is crucial for interpreting the artwork's meaning and purpose.
Example:
To truly understand the Ambum Stone, one must consider the Cultural Context of the New Guinea Highlanders, including their animistic beliefs and ceremonial practices.
Fertility Figures
Sculptures or images, typically female, that emphasize reproductive features like large breasts and hips. They are often associated with procreation, abundance, or the earth's generative power.
Example:
The Venus of Willendorf is another famous example of a Fertility Figure, highlighting the widespread ancient reverence for life and reproduction.
Greywacke
A type of sandstone characterized by its dark color, angular grains, and a matrix of clay or silt. It is a dense and durable rock, often used for carving.
Example:
The dense nature of Greywacke made it an ideal material for the Ambum Stone, allowing for intricate carving despite its hardness.
Hunter-gatherers
Societies that sustain themselves by foraging for wild plants and hunting wild animals, rather than practicing agriculture or animal husbandry. Their mobile lifestyle often influenced their art.
Example:
The portable nature of the Apollo 11 Stones reflects the nomadic existence of the hunter-gatherers who created them.
Prehistoric Art
Art created by cultures that existed before the development of written language. These artworks provide visual insights into early human beliefs, societies, and technologies.
Example:
Studying Prehistoric Art helps us understand the spiritual practices of ancient peoples, even without written records.
Quartzite
A very hard, non-foliated metamorphic rock composed almost entirely of quartz. It was a durable material used by early humans for tools and art.
Example:
The resilience of the Quartzite used for the Apollo 11 Stones allowed these ancient artworks to survive for tens of thousands of years.
Ritual
A series of actions performed in a prescribed order, often for religious or ceremonial purposes. Many prehistoric artworks were created for or used in such practices.
Example:
The Ambum Stone's exaggerated features suggest its use in a significant ritual to invoke spiritual power or ensure community well-being.
Symbolism
The use of images, objects, or forms to represent abstract ideas, qualities, or beliefs. Prehistoric art often relied heavily on symbolic representation.
Example:
The geometric patterns on the Apollo 11 Stones might be a form of symbolism, conveying spiritual connections to the natural world rather than literal depictions.
Tlatilco Female Figure
A ceramic figurine from ancient Tlatilco, Mexico, characterized by exaggerated hips and breasts, and often a double face. It likely symbolizes fertility and motherhood.
Example:
The prominent features of the Tlatilco Female Figure highlight the cultural emphasis on procreation and the life-giving power of women in ancient Mesoamerican societies.