Paleolithic art: Rocks and Pigment

A WebQuest for H.S. Art

Designed by Fadra Hepner

Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits | Teacher Page

Introduction

The time:  100 thousand years ago. 

The place:  What is currently known as Europe

There is no e-mail.  There is no television.  There is no phone or running water.  You have an urge to create something representative of your beliefs and accomplishments.  What are your options?  

After exploring this site, you should have a good idea of how Paleolithic people expressed themselves and why.  This will prepare you for the task at hand.... 

6th grade Art !!! (click here)

Task

1.  Explore the online resources to become familiar with Paleolithic life and art created by these people.

2.  Examine and evaluate the art of these peoples.

3.  Create your own cave art.

Process

Use the following links to find your answers and view art

 

(be sure to check out the multimedia stuff and look at the subject headings for cues)

A.  Researching and evaluating Paleolithic art

1.   Recorder: create 3 columns  on a sheet of paper for your group.

2.  In the first column, write the following questions:

1. What did they eat?  (2 pts)
2. What types of materials and tools did they use? (6 pts)

3. What may the social structure have been like?  You will need to think about the priorities of the culture here.  Tell me whether you think it was a matriarchal society (women in charge) or a patriarchal society (men in charge) and why.  Also:  Tell me whether you think that they lived individually or in groups and why they would live this way. (6 pts)
4. What are two theories about the purpose of Paleolithic art? (4 pts)

3.    Decide who will investigate each aspect  listed in step one (I may assign this), and use the resources links to do so.  (You will have to skim and actually do some reading!!) You may find other significant aspects of Paleolithic life you wish to investigate and record.  This is encouraged but not mandatory.

4.    Write your results in  a second column on the same sheet of paper.

5.    Use this information to evaluate prehistoric art. You will find examples of this through the resources links.   You may choose cave art, sculpture, or large structures to evaluate.  Please choose two separate works.  Ex:  The caves at Lascaux and the Venus of Willendorph.

6.    Please write your analysis of the art you have chosen in the third column of your paper.
I want you to incorporate some of the terms we have learned and give a critique of the work.  
    Ex:  color, form, line, composition, content or subject, mood are some art terms.  Please list the significance of these.  Why did they choose this color or that subject?  Remember, there is not a right or wrong answer here, you just have to explain your answers. 
    Use what we have learned in class along with what you learned while researching to evaluate the works.  Feel free to discuss this within your group. However:  This critique should be your own.  I do not wish to see the same critique on everyone's paper.

B.  Creating your own cave art

1.  On a separate sheet of paper, brainstorm and list things that you consider  important in your lives. 
2.  Next, write down your own answers to the questions in A-1.  What tools will you use to create your cave painting, describe aspects of your own spirituality, etc.
3.  Discuss how to incorporate steps one and two.  What is important for your group to represent? What will the composition be like? What colors will you use? Where would you display it (ideal location) and why?
4.   Create a sketch of your cave art and discuss it within your group. 
5.    Find materials needed (come see me) and assign tasks for final project.  Remember this is collaborative and you will be graded accordingly.
6.    Create your cave art.  Remember to use the information you listed in steps 1-3.
7.    Designate a speaker to answer questions about your work.  We will be evaluating them as a class, using what you have learned through this assignment. 

Evaluation

You will be evaluated as a group and individually.  If your  designated research task is incomplete you will be graded accordingly.  Following is the rubric that I will be using to determine your grades.

Conclusion

I hope you have a better understanding of  the art and the people that paved the way for the modern world.  Remember:  All art has a reason and a meaning.  It's just sometimes hard to see.

Credits & References

http://users.hol.gr/~dilos/prehis/prerm4.htm
D. I. Loizos, 1996-1998

http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/refpages/RefArticle.aspx?refid=761578676
"Paleolithic Art," Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2002
http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2002 Microsoft Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

http://www.culture.fr/culture/arcnat/lascaux/en/index.html
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