Lower Palaeolithic Art in Britain?
Posted: Sun Oct 29, 2006 3:51 pm
My name is Richard and I am fairly new to archaeology (6 months), no qualifications in this regard just an increasing interest. I can’t claim to have lurked for longer than a few days before succumbing to this great site.
The google search that brought me here was the discussion on Bednarik’s “Seafaring in the Pleistocene”. Of particular interest to me since I firmly believe the cognitive abilities of our ancestors have been largely downplayed.
Also of topical interest are Charlie Hatchetts’ “bird head” lithics, confirming (for me at least) once again the recurring and widespread use of animal themes across the world and throughout pre-history.
Some of the material I have collected is shown on my website. Most of it came from a 1m square (approx.) “exploratory” dig in my back garden whilst trying to understand the stratigraphy. On this topic I am definitely out of my depth and instead I have been overwhelmed with the quality of the finds.
Wait, wait… I can hear you say – I shouldn’t have removed anything out of context - however, I did not know that then, and besides from the apparent lack of interest (then and now) and since it was only a small test I hope I can be excused.
No, I don’t have a book to sell, and yes I do think that early Homo was capable of producing (and did) sculptures in stone. Neither am I here just to promote my site and opinions though clearly I would like some feedback on the material - I am here primarily to learn.
Until recently I had thought that the tools I believe I have found were probably produced by Heidelbergensis however I am starting to wander whether it was Erectus, partly what leads me to believe this is the style of knapping.
Now “aware” I am intent on going down the path of falsification but so far have found it difficult to obtain any professional help, partly my fault – for naively “pushing” the art angle (which I felt was indisputable/obvious) - but also apathy and apparent exclusivity from the archaeology community here in the UK. There is also a lot of conflicting advice.
Well, guess there’s plenty of material here to leave myself open to attack…
I am very interested in genuine feedback and welcome discussion on any of the material. I am used to the “natural”, “coincidental”, “fortuitous”, “frost damage” type responses (no need to tread lightly) but to date none of it has been backed with any substance or real explanation. I would also be particularly grateful for any serious advice about how to proceed.
www.palaeolithicart.co.uk
Thanks
The google search that brought me here was the discussion on Bednarik’s “Seafaring in the Pleistocene”. Of particular interest to me since I firmly believe the cognitive abilities of our ancestors have been largely downplayed.
Also of topical interest are Charlie Hatchetts’ “bird head” lithics, confirming (for me at least) once again the recurring and widespread use of animal themes across the world and throughout pre-history.
Some of the material I have collected is shown on my website. Most of it came from a 1m square (approx.) “exploratory” dig in my back garden whilst trying to understand the stratigraphy. On this topic I am definitely out of my depth and instead I have been overwhelmed with the quality of the finds.
Wait, wait… I can hear you say – I shouldn’t have removed anything out of context - however, I did not know that then, and besides from the apparent lack of interest (then and now) and since it was only a small test I hope I can be excused.
No, I don’t have a book to sell, and yes I do think that early Homo was capable of producing (and did) sculptures in stone. Neither am I here just to promote my site and opinions though clearly I would like some feedback on the material - I am here primarily to learn.
Until recently I had thought that the tools I believe I have found were probably produced by Heidelbergensis however I am starting to wander whether it was Erectus, partly what leads me to believe this is the style of knapping.
Now “aware” I am intent on going down the path of falsification but so far have found it difficult to obtain any professional help, partly my fault – for naively “pushing” the art angle (which I felt was indisputable/obvious) - but also apathy and apparent exclusivity from the archaeology community here in the UK. There is also a lot of conflicting advice.
Well, guess there’s plenty of material here to leave myself open to attack…
I am very interested in genuine feedback and welcome discussion on any of the material. I am used to the “natural”, “coincidental”, “fortuitous”, “frost damage” type responses (no need to tread lightly) but to date none of it has been backed with any substance or real explanation. I would also be particularly grateful for any serious advice about how to proceed.
www.palaeolithicart.co.uk
Thanks
Did you find this piece, Many?
