Global Prehistoric Art, 30,000–500 BCE

Acrylic paint

Bronze

Clay

Plastic

Clay

Bronze

Bone

Rock

It had no impact; artists could import any material they needed.

It limited artistic expression, as artists could only use what was locally available.

It influenced artistic choices, as artists adapted their techniques and styles to the materials at hand.

It led to a uniform style of art across all prehistoric cultures.

Welding

Carving

Photography

Digital modeling

They had no impact on artistic techniques.

They led to a decrease in artistic innovation.

They allowed for the development of new techniques and the refinement of existing ones.

They made art less accessible to the general population.

They were purely decorative and had no deeper meaning.

They allowed artists to create more realistic depictions of the world around them.

They added texture and depth to the artwork, potentially enhancing its symbolic or ritualistic significance.

They were used to mass-produce artworks for commercial purposes.

Liangzhu

Lapita

Moche

Susa

A child’s toy

A tool for grinding grain

Religious ceremonies or burials

Decoration for a home

The sacrum bone represented wealth, while the canine form symbolized hunting prowess.

The sacrum bone was associated with fertility and the afterlife, while the canine form may have represented a guide or guardian.

The sacrum bone was chosen for its durability, while the canine form was purely decorative.

The sacrum bone symbolized political power, while the canine form represented military strength.

East Asia

North Africa

South America

Europe