Prehistory

Earliest human artefacts existed 40,000 years ago in the upper Palaeolithic
era (Late stone age).
Mesolithic period had cave paintings and portable arts such as figurines
and beads (predominated).
Neolithic period had early pottery appearing as sculpture an the
construction of Megaliths.
Palaeolithic developed into Mesolithic era in which cave paintings and
miniature sculptures began to appear. With Neolithic period, primitive mankind
began to shape pottery and create Megaliths or huge stone sculptures.
Cave paintings in Europe were first discovered in places like Altamira in
Spain and Lascaux in France. The earliest known sculptures included the
figurines of Venus as mother goddess. The famous Venus was found at a place
called Willendorf in Austria. It is a miniature statue carved from pebble and
painted in red ochre. It’s period is supposed to be 30,000- 25,000 BC in the
upper Palaeolithic period. It’s significance is that it personifies Fecundity.
(fertility)

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