Characteristics of the Paleolithic Period

Characteristics of the Paleolithic Period [ primarily the Upper Paleolithic Period, approx. 30, 000 - 10, 000 B.C.E.]
1. Because of a colder climate, [colder than present day], animals that we associate more with forests of the far north, such as reindeer, bison, deer, artic fox, brown bear roamed widely in southern France and Spain. Wild horses, cattle, mammoths and the woolly rhinoceros were present as well.
2. This time was the end of the Neanderthal Period and beginning of the Cro-Magnon period in the development of man. Man lived in caves or shelters dug in the earth. Roofs were made with hides supported on branches or tusks and sometimes covered with earth.Man fashioned weapons [such as spears] and tools out of bone, tusk, and flint rock.
3.Man lived in caves or shelters dug in the earth. Roofs were made with hides supported on branches or tusks and sometimes covered with earth.
4. Man fashioned weapons [such as spears] and tools out of bone, tusk, and flint rock.
5. Man was interested in personal adornment, and the beautification of his surroundings. This time period contains the beginning of “art” as we know it - the first evidence of painting, sculpture and jewelry.
6. Man was concerned with the afterlife. This is indicated by evidence of ceremonial burials.

The major values expressed in the art of Paleolithic society were:

• Reproduction
• Nourishment
• Regeneration
• Survival