#AP Art History: Prehistoric Art - Night Before Review 🌠

Hey there, future art historian! Let's get you prepped and confident for tomorrow. We're diving into prehistoric art, focusing on three key pieces: the Apollo 11 Stones, the Ambum Stone, and the Tlatilco female figure. Let's make this stick!

Jump to: Apollo 11 Stones Ambum Stone Tlatilco Female Figure Cultural Influences Final Exam Focus Practice Questions

#Prehistoric Art: Foundations

Prehistoric art gives us a peek into cultures before writing. Think of it as a visual time capsule! These artworks, made from stone, bone, and clay, reveal a lot about early beliefs, societies, and tech. Let's break down three important examples.

# Apollo 11 Stones 🪨

Apollo 11 Cave Stones, Namibia, quartzite, c. 25,500–25,300 B.C.E.

• Time: c. 25,500-25,300 BCE (super old!)
• Location: Namibia, Africa
• Material: Quartzite (a type of rock)
• Style: Geometric patterns (circles, lines, dots)
• Culture: San people (hunter-gatherers)
• Significance:
  • Earliest examples of human-made art 💡
  • Reflects the San people's connection to the natural world and their spiritual beliefs.
  • Abstract and symbolic due to their mobile lifestyle.

# Ambum Stone 🗿

Ambum Stone, c. 1500 B.C.E., greywacke, Ambum Valley, Enga Province, Papua New Guinea

• Time: c. 1500 BCE
• Location: Papua New Guinea highlands
• Material: Greywacke (volcanic rock)
• Style: Human figure with exaggerated features (large eyes, broad nose, wide mouth)
• Culture: People of the New Guinea highlands (known for rituals)
• Significance:
  • Used in rituals and ceremonies.
  • Exaggerated features may reflect cultural values.

# Tlatilco Female Figure 💃

Double-faced female figurine, early formative period, Tlatilco, c. 1200–900 B.C.E., ceramic with traces of pigment

• Time: c. 1200-900 BCE
• Location: Tlatilco, Mexico
• Material: Ceramic
• Style: Female figure with large hips and breasts
• Culture: Olmec culture (known for advanced ceramics and metallurgy)
• Significance:
  • Early example of ceramic art in the Americas.
  • Large hips and breasts may indicate the importance of fertility and motherhood.

# Cultural Influences 🌍

• San People (Apollo 11 Stones): Hunter-gatherers, mobile lifestyle = abstract, symbolic art.
• New Guinea Highlanders (Ambum Stone): Ritualistic culture = ceremonial objects.
• Olmec Culture (Tlatilco Figure): Advanced in ceramics and metallurgy = sophisticated clay figures.

# Final Exam Focus 🎯

Prehistoric art is a foundational topic. Understanding its key themes and cultural context is crucial.

• Key Themes: Ritual, symbolism, connection to nature, cultural identity.
• Question Types:
  • Multiple Choice: Identifying artworks, materials, and cultural contexts.
  • Short Answer: Explaining the significance of specific features or materials.
  • Free Response: Analyzing the cultural influences on prehistoric art.

• Time Management: Don't spend too much time on any one question. If you're stuck, move on and come back later.
• Common Pitfalls:
  • Not connecting art to its cultural context.
  • Describing instead of analyzing.
  • Ignoring the provided image or text.

# Practice Questions 📝

Practice Question

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. The Apollo 11 Stones are significant primarily because they are considered: (A) The earliest examples of monumental architecture. (B) The first instances of written language. (C) Among the earliest known examples of human-made art. (D) Evidence of early agricultural practices.

2. Which of the following best describes the cultural context of the Ambum Stone? (A) A nomadic, hunter-gatherer society. (B) A culture with highly developed ceremonial and ritual practices. (C) A civilization known for its advanced metallurgy. (D) A society focused on large-scale agricultural production.

3. The Tlatilco female figure is characterized by: (A) Abstract geometric patterns. (B) Exaggerated facial features. (C) Large hips and breasts. (D) A lack of any symbolic representation.

Free Response Question:

Analyze how the cultural context of the San people influenced the creation and characteristics of the Apollo 11 Stones. In your response, be sure to:

• Identify the cultural practices of the San people.
• Explain how these practices are reflected in the style and subject matter of the Apollo 11 Stones.
• Discuss the significance of the Apollo 11 Stones within the broader context of prehistoric art.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Identification of San Cultural Practices (2 points):
  • 1 point for identifying the San people as hunter-gatherers.
  • 1 point for mentioning their mobile lifestyle.
• Explanation of Cultural Influence on Art (3 points):
  • 1 point for linking the abstract nature of the art to their nomadic lifestyle.
  • 1 point for connecting the geometric patterns to their spiritual beliefs and connection to nature.
  • 1 point for explaining how the portable nature of the stones suits their lifestyle.
• Discussion of Significance (2 points):
  • 1 point for noting that the stones are among the earliest examples of human-made art.
  • 1 point for explaining how they provide insight into the beliefs and practices of the San people.

Total: 7 points

You've got this! Remember to stay calm, trust your knowledge, and think critically. You're ready to rock this exam! 💪