Paleolithic: The Caves of Lascaux
The Lascaux Caves are located in southwestern France, and contain some of the earliest known artworks. Recent studies estimate the paintings were created around ca. 15000 B.C., but the dates are a widely debated subject. Horses, aurochs, stags, ibexes, bison, felines, and other figures are depicted, yet horses are definitely the most numerous. There are various interpretations of the paintings, including the pictures representing spiritual or religious symbols or records of dietary habits. Norbert Aujoulat, a geologist and prehistorian, invented an interesting theory based off of his recent Lascaux studies. He discovered a continual pattern to the order of the paintings in the caves; beginning with a horse, followed by an auroch, and a stag in the rear. With further research Aujoulat found different seasonal attributes to each animal. His suggestion is that the animals represent the cycle of seasons: the horse as Spring, auroch as Summer, and the stag, Autumn.
To the left is the "Panel of the Chinese Horse." The arrows flying past the horse indicate that the animals were perhaps a food supply for the ancient civilization.
To the left is the "Panel of the Chinese Horse." The arrows flying past the horse indicate that the animals were perhaps a food supply for the ancient civilization.