Prehistoric Period :- Races and culture
The distant past when there was no paper or language or the written word, and hence no books or written document, is called as the Prehistoric period. It was difficult to understand how Prehistoric people lived until scholars began excavations in Prehistoric sites.Piecing together of information deduced from old tools, habitat, bones of both animals and human beings and drawings on the cave walls scholars have constructed fairly accurate knowledge about what happened and how people lived in prehistoric times.Paintings and drawings were the oldest Art Forms practiced by human beings to express themselves using the cave wall as their canvas.
The drawings and paintings can be catagorised into seven historical periods. Period I, Upper Palaeolithic; Period II, Mesolithic; and Period III, Chalcolithic. After Period III there are four successive periods. But we will confine ourselves here only to the first three phases. Prehistoric Era art denotes the art (mainly rock paintings) during Paleolithic Age, Mesolithic Age and Chalcolithic Age.
Paleolithic Age Art
The prehistoric period in the early development of human beings is commonly known as the ‘Old Stone Age’ or ‘Palaeolithic Age’.
We did not get any evidence of paintings from lower or middle paleolithic age yet. In the Upper Palaeolithic period, we see a proliferation of artistic activities. Subjects of early works confined to simple human figures, human activities, geometric designs, and symbols. First discovery of rock paintings in the world was made in India (1867-68) by an Archaeologist, Archibold Carlleyle, twelve years before the discovery of Altamira in Spain (site of oldest rock paintings in the world). In India, remnants of rock paintings have been found on the walls of caves situated in several districts of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Bihar, and Uttarakhand. Some of the examples of sites early rock paintings are Lakhudiyar in Uttarakhand, Kupgallu in Telangana, Piklihal and Tekkalkotta in Karnataka, Bhimbetka and Jogimara in Madhya Pradesh etc. Paintings found here can be divided into three categories: Man, Animal, and Geometric symbols.
Mesolithic period Art:
- The largest number of paintings belongs to this period.
- Themes multiply but the paintings are small in size.
- Hunting scenes predominate
- Hunters in groups armed with barbed spears pointed sticks, arrows, and bows.
- Trap and snares used to catch animals can be seen in some paintings.
- Mesolithic people loved to point animals.
- In some pictures, animals are chasing men and in others, they are being chased by hunter men.
- Animals painted in a naturalistic style and humans were depicted in a stylistic manner.
- Women are painted both in nude and clothed.
- Young and old equally find places in paintings.
- Community dances provide a common theme.
- Sort of family life can be seen in some paintings (woman, man, and children).
Chalcolithic period Art:
- Copper Age art.
- The paintings of this period reveal the association, contact and mutual exchange of requirements of the cave dwellers of this area with settled agricultural communities of the Malwa Plateau.
- Pottery and Metal tools can be seen in paintings.
- Similarities with rock paintings:Common motifs (designs/patterns like cross-hatched squares, lattices etc)
- The difference with rock paintings:Vividness and vitality of older periods disappear from these paintings.\
Some of the general features of Prehistoric paintings
- Used colours, including various shades of white, yellow, orange, red ochre, purple, brown, green and black.
- But white and red were their favourite.
- The paints used by these people were made by grinding various coloured rocks.
- They got red from haematite (Geru in India).
- Green prepared from a green coloured rock called Chalcedony.
- White was probably from Limestone.
- Some sticky substances such as animal fat or gum or resin from trees may be used while mixing rock powder with water.
- Brushes were made of plant fiber.
- It is believed that these colours remained thousands of years because of the Chemical Reaction of the oxide present on the surface of rocks.
- Paintings were found both from occupied and unoccupied caves.
- It means that these paintings were sometimes used also as some sort of signals, warnings etc.
- Many rock art sites of the new painting are painted on top of an older painting.
- In Bhimbetka, we can see nearly 20 layers of paintings, one on top of another.
- It shows the gradual development of the human being from period to period.
- The symbolism is inspiration from nature along with slight spirituality.
- Expression of ideas through very few drawings (representation of men by the stick like drawings).
- Use of many geometrical patterns.
- Scenes were mainly hunting and economic and social life of people.
- The figure of Flora, Fauna, human, mythical creatures, carts, chariots etc can be seen.
- More importance for red and white colours.
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The Prehistoric period is the time before written history. It is divided into three main periods: the Paleolithic, the Mesolithic, and the Neolithic.
The Paleolithic period is the longest period of human history, lasting from about 2.5 million years ago to about 10,000 years ago. During this time, humans were hunter-gatherers who lived in small groups. They made tools out of stone, bone, and wood.
The Mesolithic period is a short period of time that lasted from about 10,000 years ago to about 8,000 years ago. During this time, humans began to domesticate animals and Plants. They also began to make pottery and other tools out of clay.
The Neolithic period is the last period of the Prehistoric period, lasting from about 8,000 years ago to about 3,000 years ago. During this time, humans began to live in larger groups and build permanent settlements. They also began to farm and raise Livestock.
The Prehistoric period is a time of great mystery and discovery. It is a time when humans were first Learning to survive and thrive in the world. It is also a time when humans began to develop their culture and technology.
The following are some subtopics related to races and culture in the Prehistoric period:
- HUMAN EVOLUTION
- Early human societies
- The development of agriculture
- The rise of civilizations
- The spread of cultures
- The interaction of different cultures
- The development of language
- The development of art
- The development of religion
- The development of science
- The development of technology
These are just a few of the many subtopics related to races and culture in the Prehistoric period. There is still much that we do not know about this time period, but it is a time that is full of fascinating stories and discoveries.
Human evolution
Human evolution is the process by which modern humans evolved from earlier hominids. The first hominids appeared in Africa about 7 million years ago. They were small, ape-like creatures who walked upright. Over time, these hominids evolved into larger, more intelligent creatures. About 200,000 years ago, the first modern humans appeared in Africa. These humans were capable of making complex tools and art. They also began to spread out from Africa and colonize other parts of the world.
Early human societies
Early human societies were small, hunter-gatherer groups. These groups lived in close contact with nature and were constantly on the move in search of food. They had a simple technology and a limited understanding of the world around them.
The development of agriculture
The development of agriculture was a major turning point in human history. It allowed humans to settle down in one place and grow their own food. This led to the development of larger, more complex societies. Agriculture also led to the development of new technologies, such as Irrigation and the wheel.
The rise of civilizations
The first civilizations arose in Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, and China. These civilizations were complex societies with their own governments, religions, and cultures. They were also the first to develop writing, which allowed them to record their history and culture.
The spread of cultures
The spread of cultures is a complex process that has been going on for thousands of years. It is driven by a number of factors, including trade, Migration, and conquest. The spread of cultures has led to the exchange of ideas, technology, and art. It has also led to the development of new cultures.
The interaction of different cultures
The interaction of different cultures can be both positive and negative. On the positive side, it can lead to the exchange of ideas, technology, and art. It can also lead to the development of new cultures. On the negative side, it can lead to conflict and violence.
The development of language
Language is a complex system of Communication that is used by humans to share information. It is a product of human evolution and has been developing for thousands of years. Language is essential for human communication and is a key part of human culture.
The development of art
Art is a form of human expression that can take many different forms, including painting, sculpture, music, and dance. It is a way for humans to communicate their emotions, ideas, and experiences. Art has been an important part of human culture for thousands of years.
The development of religion
Religion is a system of beliefs and practices that is concerned with the relationship between humans and the supernatural. It is a way for humans to make sense of the world around them and to find meaning in their lives. Religion has been an important part of human culture for thousands of years.
**The development
What is race?
Race is a social construct that refers to a group of people who share certain physical characteristics, such as skin color, hair texture, and eye shape. Race is not a biological reality, and there is no scientific evidence to support the idea that there are different races of humans.
What is culture?
Culture is the shared beliefs, values, and practices of a group of people. It includes everything from language and religion to art and music. Culture is learned and passed down from generation to generation, and it helps to shape the way people think, feel, and behave.
What is the relationship between race and culture?
Race and culture are often intertwined, as race can influence a person’s culture and vice versa. For example, people of African descent may share certain cultural traditions that are unique to their race. However, it is important to remember that race is not the only factor that influences culture. Other factors, such as religion, geography, and socioeconomic status, can also play a role.
What are some examples of different races and cultures?
There are many different races and cultures in the world. Some examples of races include African, Asian, European, and Hispanic. Some examples of cultures include Chinese, Japanese, Indian, and Mexican.
How did race and culture develop over time?
Race and culture have developed over time as a result of a variety of factors, including migration, conquest, and trade. For example, the African diaspora is the result of the transatlantic slave trade, which brought people of African descent to the Americas. This mixing of cultures led to the development of new cultures, such as African American culture.
What are some of the challenges faced by people of different races and cultures?
People of different races and cultures often face discrimination and prejudice. This can lead to social isolation, economic inequality, and even violence. In addition, people of different races and cultures may have different values and beliefs, which can lead to conflict.
What are some of the ways to promote understanding and Tolerance between people of different races and cultures?
One way to promote understanding and tolerance between people of different races and cultures is to educate people about the history and diversity of the world. This can be done through schools, museums, and other educational institutions. In addition, it is important to create opportunities for people of different races and cultures to interact with each other. This can be done through community events, Sports leagues, and other social activities.
What is the future of race and culture?
The future of race and culture is uncertain. However, it is likely that the world will become increasingly diverse in the years to come. This will require people to learn to live together in peace and harmony.
Question 1
Which of the following is not a race?
(A) Caucasian
(B) Negroid
(C) Mongoloid
(D) Australoid
Answer
(D) Australoid is not a race. It is a subrace of the Negroid race.
Question 2
Which of the following is not a culture?
(A) Western culture
(B) Eastern culture
(C) African culture
(D) American culture
Answer
(D) American culture is not a culture. It is a civilization.
Question 3
Which of the following is not a characteristic of race?
(A) Skin color
(B) Hair type
(C) Eye color
(D) Religion
Answer
(D) Religion is not a characteristic of race. It is a belief system.
Question 4
Which of the following is not a characteristic of culture?
(A) Language
(B) Religion
(C) Art
(D) Food
Answer
(D) Food is not a characteristic of culture. It is a part of culture, but it is not a characteristic of culture.
Question 5
Which of the following is not a difference between race and culture?
(A) Race is biological, while culture is social.
(B) Race is inherited, while culture is learned.
(C) Race is fixed, while culture is dynamic.
(D) Race is a social construct, while culture is not.
Answer
(D) Race is a social construct, while culture is not. Culture is a product of human activity, while race is a product of human biology.
Question 6
Which of the following is not a way in which race and culture can interact?
(A) Race can influence culture.
(B) Culture can influence race.
(C) Race and culture can be independent of each other.
(D) Race and culture are always intertwined.
Answer
(D) Race and culture are not always intertwined. There are many cases in which race and culture are independent of each other. For example, there are many people who are of mixed race, and their culture is not necessarily a combination of their parents’ cultures.
Question 7
Which of the following is not a way in which race and culture can be harmful?
(A) Race can be used to justify discrimination.
(B) Culture can be used to justify discrimination.
(C) Race and culture can be used to divide people.
(D) Race and culture can be used to promote understanding and tolerance.
Answer
(D) Race and culture can be used to promote understanding and tolerance, but they can also be used to divide people. For example, racism is a form of discrimination that is based on race.