Survey 1, Quiz 1-2
Researchers theorize that figurines were not portraits of real women, but religious icons due to their voluptuous nature. This theory is supported by the fact that these figures were small in size hence could be held by hand during rituals. They also had small dimensions that allowed them to be carried from one point to another especially by nomadic ancestors. Another theory is that figurines night has served as fertility symbols. Their large breasts, ample hips, large stomachs, and the ability to be strung made researchers believe that they were worn as amulets to protect women during pregnancy and childbirth. Some researchers have also theorized that figurines were dolls or portraits. Other scholars theorized that they represented the real beauty standards and acted like some type of Paleolithic pornography. The theory that I find more plausible is that they were symbols of fertility. This is because most of their features are associated with a fertile and pregnant woman. Most figurines usually appear to be pregnant which shows a mother goddess. Some Venuses were smeared red ochre and others decorated with symbols showing the possibility of lunar cycles, all of which show a link to fertility and menstruation.
Question 2
Magura Cave
Magura cave is found in Bulgarie and dates back 8000 to 4000 years ago. It harbors more than 700 drawings. The painting is done with bat excrement and is shows hunting and dancing people together with a large variety of animals. For instance, the painting shows people carrying arrows and bows while aiming at animals to show that they were hunters.
- Bhimbetka
This cave is found in central India with more than 600 decorated prehistoric cave paintings. The paintings are done in red and white colors coupled with some green and yellow paintings to show the lives and time of those who dwelled in caves.
- Tadrart Acacus
Tadrart Acacus is found in the Sahara desert. The paintings show the changing environments in the Sahara desert which were mostly marked by a wetter climate. The painting shows that the area was covered by a green environment, lakes, and forests that were home to a wide range of animals such as giraffes, ostriches, and elephants as shown in the paintings.