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Although the Ice Age Art Gallery is centered upon sculpture created during prehistory, we must be careful to avoid the trap of compartmentalizing a skill and a practice that runs seamlessly through the story of humankind. For this reason, Dr Jill Cook refers to it as 'Ice Age Art: Exploring the deeper history of Art'. |
In reality, although prehistoric, there should be no separation, because whilst there are clear temporal and spatial variations, the theme remains the same. We are dealing with the same minds - our minds.
At the same time, this section is an attempt to redress the balance concerning the ‘portable’ works of Ice Age art which occur throughout Europe during the Upper Palaeolithic era. The art of this time was not restricted to the paintings and engravings found on the walls of caves. Indeed, 'portable' art, though often under-represented, was prevalent during this period. Moreover, the fact that these predominantly naked figures were created during a very cold time is highly significant, and it perhaps sheds light on the sculptures' purpose.
Meet the 'dancing' figurine of Galgenburg, carved out of amphibolite. She is 32,000 years old. Measuring 7.2 cms in height, she was created to be held in the hand. Why?
Damon de Laszlo,
Chairman of the Bradshaw Foundation
view the Ice Age Art Gallery
