Shamanism In Art Across Time

Art offers us insight into how humans interpreted the world around them, giving some context of what life may have been like many thousands of years ago. Philosophically speaking, humans pride themselves on their ability to comprehend information as well as their thirst for true knowledge. However, it is evident that there is more than our thirst for knowledge that defines us. Before humans developed the written word, they found ways to convey and record meaningful thoughts, which would continue to amaze future generations. Modern efforts to decipher these antiquities has proven challenging; there is more to learn about expressive art that most care to consider. During the Paleolithic period humans survived nomadically, encouraging a more physically demanding way of life. In essence, their unstable lifestyle reinforces the notion that their priorities were rudimentary and that they had lived without luxury. Fortunately, humans have an uncanny ability to defy expectation; these nomadic people were no exception, for they had developed, possibly
unknowingly, one the most astonishing methods of expression. According to Dr. Jean Clottes, it was September 1940 that the Lascaux cave paintings had been discovered. These magnificent pieces of human history, which are located in southwestern France, were not to be the last of their kind. Various other caves have been discovered since then, although because of Lascaux, modern society has learned how fragile the ancient works of art are. Additionally, it was in these deep caves that a miraculous discovery was made that would one day prove just how underestimated the nomadic people were. Deep within the complex cave structure consist of a many breathtaking chambers that display the talent that these artists had. One the impressive sights was the entrance hall, known as the Hall of Running Bulls, also referred to as the Rotunda, composing of mainly three types of animals, including horses, cattle, and deer, which are represented throughout the cave. The scale, level of sophistication, and sense of spirit emanating from these cave paintings is unparalleled in later periods. Furthermore, evidence suggests that these paintings were not made on a whim, but given their location within the caves that they are held to be much more than interior decoration. Several theories have generated over the years as to why these paintings were made, and what their purpose may have been within the context of that time. Theorists have suggested that shamanism, which was prominent throughout the region, was a reason for the paintings. However, since these paintings were created by complex human beings, it is possible that there is more than one explanation for their purpose. Humans express themselves in different ways for several reasons, each with its own artistic merit. In reference to the Lascaux cave, the viewer must walk through the Rotunda which eventually leads to other chambers; in this area the animals depicted on the wall are not grounded, they hover over the ground and the viewer. These animals are seem to be represented spiritually given that they are not figuratively or literally fixed on the ground. In fact, the majority of the images are painted on the ceiling, in what seems to be a reference to something beyond the limitations of the earth. Understandably, it is possible that any images lower to the ground were destroyed or erased throughout time, although that would not account for the additional layers of pigment on the ceiling, thus indicating that they chose those places specifically. In this entrance, painted on the ceiling are beautifully accurate depictions of cattle, horses, and deer that also appear throughout the cave system. The accuracy of the images suggests that these are the same animals that were hunted. Perhaps the Paleolithic people had a strong relationship that extended their physical needs for survival. If history has shown anything, it has shown our need to feel a sense of purpose and unity.
Shamanism provides an answer to the people that lived in that time. According to the textbook, Art Across Time, shamanism “functions as intermediaries between the human and the spirit worlds” (Adams, 35). Usually accessing this space between the two realms requires a ritual, or trance. The images of the floating animals seems to be part of that transitory journey to the space between the two realms; looking up as one passes further into the cave, the animals above flow in the same direction, giving the viewer that sense of oneness. The sense of importance also seems to be evident in the placement of the actual paintings, which are not placed in open caves. They are referred to as “deep caves” because of how extensive they are; normally one would not go to such incredible lengths into a dark cave unless, of course, it was
important.