Cave Art Symbols by Felicity Moreau

Cave Art Symbols decodes the captivating world of prehistoric art, exploring how early humans used cave paintings and petroglyphs to communicate, record events, and transmit cultural myths. This exploration into ancient art provides a window into the cognitive abilities, social structures, and spiritual beliefs of our ancestors. Intriguingly, recurring symbols appear across geographically diverse sites, suggesting a shared understanding or symbolic language among early human populations. The book argues that cave art represents a sophisticated form of visual communication, reflecting intentional and structured thought processes, rather than random artistic expression.

The book adopts a multidisciplinary approach, drawing from archaeology, anthropology, art history, and cognitive science to analyze cave art. It begins by introducing foundational concepts, such as dating methods and preservation techniques, before systematically examining recurring symbols and motifs. Later chapters reconstruct potential narratives depicted in the art, offering interpretations of hunting scenes and ritualistic practices.

Ultimately, Cave Art Symbols offers a fascinating glimpse into the minds of early humans, challenging conventional understandings of their communication and artistic expression.