Human beings have been using drawing as a mode of communication since the beginning. Later, when civilizations were developed, they learnt to appreciate the beauty of it. Since then art is evolving in different shapes and so is our understanding of it. Ancient artz speak of how human beings have transitioned from the wild.
Once started as a mode of communication, it became the storytelling of time. We saw how early cave drawings are 45,000 years old proof of how humans began expressing through figurines and depictions. These arts tell the story of humans, their beliefs, the religions they adopted, the skills they mastered and how we evolved and transitioned into today’s modern times.
A Journey Through Time
Art is indeed a creative expression and was initially used as a language to understand each other. From the very first proof of human beings, we have cave drawings to link to them. As civilizations began, human beings mastered the skills. From early civilizations like Rome, Mesopotamia, and Chinese civilizations, we see masterpieces that include pottery, sculptures, paintings and decorative arts.
In old times, these arts were used to represent something. A kind of symbolism that referred to their religious, architectural, mythical or cultural belief. Most of these arts were made or carved on natural material. Humans learned to use stone, clay, wood, and pigments from minerals and plants.
Most of this artwork was made for use either for ceremonial purposes or as a tool. Later, it transitioned into architecture and sophisticated paintings.
Major Civilizations Through Time
Learning the older civilizations tells us how human beings expressed their deep understanding and knowledge through the arts. Those remains are marvellous and some of them are still mysterious to us.
If we walk through history, we find 7 very distinctive civilizations and most of the art associated with them. These arts have also helped us to date back human history in time correctly. Amazingly, some of the civilizations, parted by land and time, shared some forms of art that questioned our understanding of them.
Egyptian Art (3000 BCE – 30 BCE)
Egyptian civilization is one of the oldest and most developed. Architecture is a major part of their artistic techniques. We are still mesmerised by the beauty and expertise of pyramids. Their hieroglyphs, sculptures and Pyramids, show how they were so advanced not only in arts but knowledge like mathematics, physics, medicine and astronomy. The drawings usually depict gods, pharaohs and the afterlife. They were highly developed civilizations of ancient times.
Mesopotamian Art (3100 BCE – 539 BCE)
Mesopotamia was one of the early civilizations. Their drawings mostly depict religion and daily life. They made Ziggurats, cylinder seals, and relief carvings. Some notable works by them are Ishtar Gate and Standard of Ur. They were mostly inspired by religion and kingship.
Greek Art (800 BCE – 31 BCE)
Greeks, like Egyptians, were masters of architecture. They build wonders and their work is beyond praise. They made human sculptures that looked so real that to date they are examples of breathtaking expertise.
Their art is greatly inspired by poetic and mythical expressions. They excelled in games and entertainment and their work is proof. The Olympic games were started by them.
Roman Art (509 BCE – 476 CE)
Romans mostly excelled in paintings and architecture. They made realistic portraits, mosaics, and grand architecture. Their work was done with a true mathematical understanding and most of the artwork was done using golden ratio, a standard of beauty in the universe.
Indian Art (2500 BCE – Present)
From a dancing girl of mohenjo daro to temple cravings, Indian art has also left its mark on human civilizations. Most of the work was inspired by mythical and religious figures. They used beautiful colours in their work.
Chinese Art (2000 BCE – Present)
The Chinese excelled in Calligraphy, ceramics and jade carvings. Their work is mostly inspired by nature, philosophy and ancestors.
Mesoamerican Art (1200 BCE – 1500 CE)
Mesoamericans refer to pre-Columbian and Western hemisphere civilizations. They were also highly inspired by their religious beliefs and even used human sacrifices. Their famous work includes Mayan stelae and Aztec sunstone. They were experts in astronomy. Mayan calendars are still discussed in modern society for their authenticity. Here keep in mind that Mesopotamian and Mesoamerican are two different civilizations separated by land and time.
Some Mediums Used for Ancient Artz
Early people used different modes to express themselves through the arts. From paintings to architecture, they experimented with all kinds of mediums.
- Painting is one of the common mediums. Early humans made drawings and paintings of hunting scenes and rituals. Many are found in caves and tombs. Later on, they made realistic-looking pictures of humans and other things.
- Sculptures and carvings have been another medium for expressing the human desire to show and inspire. Egyptian statues and Greek sculptures are proof of that mastery. Even carved from marble, they look like people frozen in stone.
- Pottery was another common medium that tells us the story of ancient times. They were used either to make storage or to portray storytelling.
- Many civilizations have expressed their art through architecture such as pyramids, domes, and the Colosseum.
Significance
- These arts were not only a way of expressing ourselves but also told us about
- The cultural heritage of human history. What the people of that time believed and what their values were.
- It also inspires modern art. Today, artists take their pick using ancient techniques.
- These are reflections of history and the knowledge that passed through generations. Those people were much more advanced than our early understanding of them.
- This is a legacy preserved and will continue to be. Now with the help of modern technology, we can preserve and restore many art forms.
Conclusion
Ancient artz is much more than mere drawing, pottery or sculptures. Some of the great pieces were preserved through history and time and provided valuable insights into human evolution. Our ancestors were advanced in terms of knowledge, arts and architecture. Even today, we follow in their footsteps. Once adopted as a mode of communication and survival, these arts became the greatest tool of entertainment and pleasure. Now modern technology has made it possible to connect past and present.
