Cave paintings and the human spirit : the origin of creativity and belief / David S. Whitley.
2009
GN803 .W495 2009 (Mapit)
Available at General Collection
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Details
Title
Cave paintings and the human spirit : the origin of creativity and belief / David S. Whitley.
Author
Whitley, David S.
ISBN
9781591026365 (alk. paper)
1591026369 (alk. paper)
1591026369 (alk. paper)
Publication Details
Amherst, N.Y. : Prometheus Books, 2009.
Language
English
Description
322 p., [8] p. of plates : ill. (some col.) ; 24 cm.
Call Number
GN803 .W495 2009
Dewey Decimal Classification
709/.01/12
Summary
"The magnificent prehistoric art discovered in caves throughout France and Spain raises many questions about early human culture. What do these superbly rendered paintings of horses, bison, and enigmatic human figures and symbols mean? How can we explain the sudden flourishing of artistic creativity at such a high level? And in what ways does this artwork reflect the underlying belief system, worldview, and life of the people who created it?" "In this fascinating discussion of ancient art and religion, Dr. David S. Whitley-one of the world's leading experts on cave paintings-guides the reader in an exploration of these intriguing questions, while sharing his firsthand experiences in visiting these exquisite, breathtaking sites." "To grasp what drove these ancient artists to create these masterpieces, and to understand the origin of myth and religion, as Whitley explains, is to appreciate what makes us human. Moreover, he broadens our understanding of the genesis of creativity and myth by proposing a radically new and original theory that weds two seemingly warring camps from separate disciplines." "Combining a colorful narrative describing Whitley's personal explorations at key archaeological sites with robust scientific research, Cave Paintings and the Human Spirit makes for engrossing reading. It provides a profound and poignant perspective on what it means to be human."--Jacket.
Bibliography, etc. Note
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Linked Resources
Table of contents only
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Table of Contents
pt. 1. Three days at Chauvet.
The world's earliest cave art
Inside Chauvet
pt. 2. Côa and the Coso connection.
The dating game
Finding Côa
pt. 3. Meaning and madness in the upper paleolithic.
The myth of ecstasy and the origins of religion : entry into the Volp caves
Creativity and the emotional life of the shamans
Art beyond belief : creativity and religion in perspective.
The world's earliest cave art
Inside Chauvet
pt. 2. Côa and the Coso connection.
The dating game
Finding Côa
pt. 3. Meaning and madness in the upper paleolithic.
The myth of ecstasy and the origins of religion : entry into the Volp caves
Creativity and the emotional life of the shamans
Art beyond belief : creativity and religion in perspective.