Indians - The Humanistic Tradition
Indians - The Humanistic Tradition
Book 1 Chapter 1
1a. Cave art was found in Europe, Africa, Australia, North America and western France. It is estimated that the art was done around ten to thirty thousand years ago. Mostly hunters painted on the walls before they went out for a hunt. Cave art was done by painting with polychrome mineral pigments and shaded with burnt coal and bitumen, and was usually drawn in the inaccessible part of the caves, one over the other. The art was usually animals such as bears, bulls, lions, zebras, fish, birds, horses, reindeer and other creatures, wounded by spears or running. It was usually done as a ritual before they went out to hunt. They were not clear and drawn over one another. Their art was more of a prayer with faith that prayer and the proper symbols would change destiny.
1b. There have been many female statuettes found around the world. The art was usually depicting women as pregnant or as life givers. They were seen as the continuation of the tribe and as healers and nurturers. Women had a special importance since they were perceived as life givers and has the power of procreation. She is also seen in images using special words and gestures during a hunting ritual.
2a. The development of agriculture was important because it change us from a nomadic population to one of farmers and cattle raisers. It allowed us to settle down in one spot and learn how to grow food, raise animals, and learn the benefits of animals. We domesticated herds and learn how to make leather and wool. We eventually made communities of farmers and herders. The primary concern of this new found lifestyle was the seasonal cycle and when the lean months of winter came around. They had to learn the benefits of rain and sunshine, and it’s power. They learned to produce surplus food for winter and make woven rugs and textiles for comfort against rain and wind.
2b. Stonehenge, located in southern England, is thought to be a ceremonial burial site since megaliths are placed in circle and have horizontal slaps on the top. Another thought is that Stonehenge is a sacred calendar that would predict the movement of...