Nicholas Conard, an excavator at the University of Tueblingen in Germany, spoke at the Smithsonian about the origins of art.
He is studying the evolution of art and music, excavating paleolithic figurines and prehistoric flutes. Conard is looking at how, when and where cultural innovations evolved. What inspired these humans to make time, after dealing with the hardships of finding food and shelter, to carve venus figures, hollow out ivory for flutes, and paint reproductions of their real life hunts?
Evidence shows that as early as 40,000 years ago, mankind was creating sophisticated ornaments, musical instruments, and imagery that was figurative and mythical.
Some of the pieces from his various excavations are on display at the Museum of Natural History in the new Hall of Human Origins.
Right now he’s excavating in the Ach and Lone valleys in Germany. And he’s found some amazing things. The fine craftsmanship of some of the small figurines feature perfect depictions of animals with well developed musculature, tiny tails, eyes, ears, even the soles of paws. Every line, every mark is intentional. What’s even more impressive is that the forms aren’t always static, but dynamic with trunks in mid-swing or legs poised to take a step.
I don’t know about you, but my drawings are little better than stick figures. And while I’m taking oil classes, my color theory and mixing techniques have improved, but my finished paintings unintentionally resemble De Kooning more than Da Vinci.
The musical instruments are fascinating. These archaeologists have found flutes made from bone and ivory. Ivory is a difficult material to work. These craftsmen had to hollow out the ivory and then carve out the beveled finger holes. One special flute even had a sophisticated forked mouthpiece. An experimental archaeologist on the team reconstructed a flute made from a vulture bone and played the Star Spangled Banner with it. The notes and tones are clear and haunting.
On one hand, it’s hard to imagine that people 40,000 years ago sat around fires in caves and listened to flautists in concert. On the other, I can’t imagine life without lots of pretty pictures, songs and meaningful recreations of our day.
Is mankind’s desire to leave a mark on the world an innate instinct? Where do you think art comes from?
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