Introduction of Prehistoric Art

In the history of art, prehistoric art is the span of time before recorded history or the invention of writing systems and it means "before history", or "before knowledge acquired by investigation". Prehistoric art refers to the period of humans had not yet developed a written language. Therefore, the very earliest human artefacts shown evidence of workmanship with an artistic purpose are the subject of some debate. In spite of that, art historian are able to develop an understanding of the possible functions and meanings of prehistoric art with new technologies, research methods, and archaeological discoveries. Therefore, we are able to view the history of human artistic achievement in a greater focus than ever before.

Archaeologists have identified 4 basic types of Stone Age art which are petroglyphs; pictographs, cave painting and drawing; and prehistoric sculpture, and megalithic art

Petroglyphs are pictogram and logogram images created by removing part of a rock surface by incising, picking, carving, and abrading.

Pictographs also called a pictograms, pictograph, or simply picto, and also an 'icon', is an ideogram that conveys its meaning through its pictorial resemblance to a physical object. Pictographs are often used in writing and graphic systems in which the characters are to a considerable extent pictorial in appearance.

Cave paintings are paintings found on cave walls and ceilings, and especially refer to those of prehistoric origin.

Prehistoric sculpture is dominated by parietal rock art.

Megalithic art refers to the use of large stones as an artistic medium.