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Why did people in prehistoric times only painted animals and not people?
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
The commonly accepted theory is that they painted animals in order to help hunters on the hunt.
This would work something along the lines of "capturing" the "spirit" or "essence" of the animal in a painting which would allow the hunter to capture the real physical animal when he goes on his hunt.
If this was truly the case then it could be argued that they didn't paint humans because there was some taboo against capturing a human's essence or spirit.
In some modern day primitive tribes, when they first saw cameras they thought that the photographs might capture or steal their souls, its likely that the prehistoric people thought that painted images of a person might do something similar.
I personally don't know if this is the reason but its the best theory I can come up with!
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
People in prehistoric times painted animals because they were seen as important for survival, as they provided food and materials. Additionally, animals were believed to have spiritual significance. Humans were likely depicted in other media or contexts that have not survived.
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What do you call a person who studies prehistoric times?
A person who studies prehistoric times is called an archaeologist. Archaeologists study ancient human societies by analyzing artifacts, structures, and other physical remains to better understand past cultures and civilizations.
Does prehistoric times still exist in some cultures today?
Some indigenous cultures may incorporate traditional practices and beliefs from prehistoric times into their current way of life. However, the concept of prehistoric times as a distinct historical period is defined by the lack of written records, and most modern societies rely on written history to understand the past.
How did surplus change the lives of prehistoric people?
The development of surplus in prehistoric times allowed for a more stable food supply, leading to population growth and specialization of labor. This enabled some individuals to focus on tasks other than food production, such as creating tools or artwork, which contributed to the overall advancement of society.
How do historians learn about prehistoric times?
Historians study prehistoric times through archaeological evidence such as artifacts, fossils, and structures left behind by ancient civilizations. Analysis of these materials provides insights into the daily lives, belief systems, and societal structures of prehistoric peoples. By piecing together these fragments of the past, historians can develop a richer understanding of our ancestors and the world they inhabited.
What is a prehistoric commemorative slab?
A prehistoric commemorative slab is a stone slab or pillar engraved or decorated with images, symbols, or writing to commemorate events, individuals, or rituals from ancient times. These slabs provide insights into the beliefs, practices, and history of early human societies.
What foods did people eat in prehistoric times?
Wild berries, nuts and animals that were hunted
Were some animals coldblooded in prehistoric times?
no there werent any coldblooded animals as it was to hot.
What devolpment ended prehistoric times?
"Prehistoric" times of a people end from the moment that written documention either by or about a people starts to surface.
What prehistoric animals might have lived in new york during the prehistoric times?
There are fossils of trilobites that have been found in New York.
When was salt founded?
Salt is known from the prehistoric times; also animals know salt.
What medical problems did people face in prehistoric times?
None
What were decomposers in prehistoric times?
What are decomposers of the prehistoric times
What is prehistoric food?
hominids eat insects, grass, inside of the bones, and animals
Does the Lascaux cave painting seem to indicate that there was an abundance of large game animals during prehistoric times?
no
In prehistoric times what prehistoric creatures lived in California?
During the time of prehistoric animals, most notably dinosaurs, California was home to many different species. These included the Smilodon, or the saber-toothed tiger, the Californiasaurus, and the Nodosaurus.
What year was sodium chloride found in?
Sodium chloride is a natural product known from prehistoric times, also by animals.
Where do scholars get information about animals that lived during prehistoric times?
Fossils and other naturally preserved parts of their bodies.
