Frank wrote that there might be so much powerful magic in the cave pictures that it would be dangerous to depict people. Seems possible, and I think I have heard that idea before somewhere.
About the abstract work,
aurora wrote
I find in fascinating that cross-hatching is still a decorative pattern we utilize now. So on what level, exactly, does that pattern work for us? If it could be more than just a decorative impulse, what could it be? Those might be telling questions.
I agree. Here are a few thoughs and questions:
A. It seems to me that on one level, these pieces are doodles. Abstractions.
Symbols of order. Were there any rectangles or triangles in the world of these artists? Perhaps primitive 4-sided shelters made of wood?
Lean-tos or peaked roofs?
The engravings point to the sense of symmetry, completeness, repetition, harmony of forms. and the will of the artist to impose his mental stamp
on the world.
B. Specific Symbols. In some decorative arts like weaving, certain patterns
are symbolic, according to their makers. Zig zags may mean rivers, for
example. A triangle might be a cloud.
C. Older anthropologists talked about the "horror vacui" (dreadful emptiness, or fear of the void) , in which "primitive" peoples feel
compelled to cover empty surfaces with patterns...but that has always seemed rather silly to me. I have always thought that highly decorative folk arts were simpley intended to be more beautiful.
D. Do you think that we could know what what these pieces mean by
asking contemporary tribal artists why they do what they do? Or are
all people now too advanced mentally to grasp it any more?
The deeper you go, the higher you fly.
