![]() Main article: Art of the Middle Paleolithic Pseudodon shell DUB1006-fL with the earliest known geometric engravings, supposedly, made by Homo erectus ca. These cultures may be classified as prehistoric, especially if their writing systems have not been deciphered. Some cultures, notably the Maya civilization, independently developed writing during the time they flourished, which was then later lost. ![]() Many indigenous peoples from around the world continued to produce artistic works distinctive to their geographic area and culture, until exploration and commerce brought record-keeping methods to them. By the Iron Age, civilizations with writing had arisen from Ancient Egypt to Ancient China. It also saw the development in some areas of artisans, a class of people specializing in the production of art, as well as early writing systems. The advent of metalworking in the Bronze Age brought additional media available for use in making art, an increase in stylistic diversity, and the creation of objects that did not have any obvious function other than art. Early rock art also first appeared during this period. In the Neolithic evidence of early pottery appeared, as did sculpture and the construction of megaliths. From the Upper Paleolithic through to the Mesolithic, cave paintings and portable art such as figurines and beads predominated, with decorative figured workings also seen on some utilitarian objects. Įngraved shells created by Homo erectus dating as far back as 500,000 years ago have been found, although experts disagree on whether these engravings can be properly classified as 'art'. In September 2018, scientists reported the discovery of the earliest known drawing by Homo sapiens, which is estimated to be 73,000 years old, much earlier than the 43,000 years old artifacts understood to be the earliest known modern human drawings found previously. ![]() It is clear that such workmanship existed 40,000 years ago in the Upper Paleolithic era, although it is quite possible that it began earlier. The earliest human artifacts showing evidence of workmanship with an artistic purpose are the subject of some debate. The end-date for what is covered by the term thus varies greatly between different parts of the world. At this point ancient art begins, for the older literate cultures. In the history of art, prehistoric art is all art produced in preliterate, prehistorical cultures beginning somewhere in very late geological history, and generally continuing until that culture either develops writing or other methods of record-keeping, or makes significant contact with another culture that has, and that makes some record of major historical events. ![]()
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