Neolithic Art

By Jacoblms_
  • Period: 10,000 BCE to 3000 BCE

    Neolithic Art

    The symbolic and even functional works created by very early agricultural cultures, such as megalithic structures, pottery, carvings, and figurines is what defines Neolithic Art (c. 10,000-2,000 BCE). Themes within Neolithic Art would be fertility, cultural rituals, life and death. The communal and spiritual life of early settling communities is conveyed within Neolithic art, which internationally emerged when agriculture came about, giving us insight on early human practices.
  • Unknown Artist (from Amman, Jordan), Ain Ghazal Statue, 6500 BCE, plaster and reed, ~3ft tall, The Jordan Museum, Amman
    6500 BCE

    Unknown Artist (from Amman, Jordan), Ain Ghazal Statue, 6500 BCE, plaster and reed, ~3ft tall, The Jordan Museum, Amman

    The Ain Ghazal Statue (c. 6500) was formed over a skeleton of reed, then covered with plaster, and had bitumen painted eyes. The statues would be laid out under the floors of homes, which emphasize how these figures may have served a key role in the Neolithic themes of spirituality and life during this era.
  • Unknown Artist (from Skopje, Macedonia), Adam of Macedonia, 6000 BCE, Terracotta Figurine, ~23cm, Museum of Macedonia, Skopge
    6000 BCE

    Unknown Artist (from Skopje, Macedonia), Adam of Macedonia, 6000 BCE, Terracotta Figurine, ~23cm, Museum of Macedonia, Skopge

    The Adam of Macedonia (c. 6000 BCE) is one of the oldest human figurines ever found, the figurine demonstrates a sat male torso with detailed human anatomy which highlights the exceptional artistic skill despite the era. The detail in anatomy and posture of the statue emphasizes the theme of male spirituality and the role of a man within Neolithic Macedonian culture.
  • Unknown Artist (from Skopje, Macedonia), Tumba Madžari Figurines, 5500 BCE, terracotta, sizes range from 10-25 cm tall, Museum of Macedonia, Skopje
    5500 BCE

    Unknown Artist (from Skopje, Macedonia), Tumba Madžari Figurines, 5500 BCE, terracotta, sizes range from 10-25 cm tall, Museum of Macedonia, Skopje

    The Tumba Madžari Figurines (c. 5500 BCE) are clay figures that were most likely used as altars, which had projected breasts, open arms, and large eyes. The feminine figure along with the cubic base suggests a connection between home and a mother-like protector, highlighting themes of fertility.
  • Unknown Artists (from Skara Brae in Orkney, Scotland), Skara Brae Carved Stone Objects, 3200 BCE, stone, varying sizes but normally around 2 3/4 inches, National Museums Scotland, Edinburgh
    3200 BCE

    Unknown Artists (from Skara Brae in Orkney, Scotland), Skara Brae Carved Stone Objects, 3200 BCE, stone, varying sizes but normally around 2 3/4 inches, National Museums Scotland, Edinburgh

    The Skara Brae Carved Stone Objects (c. 3200 BCE) are very detailed stone balls which showcase the artistic prowess of the Neolithic community in Orkney, Scotland. The symbolic role of these objects potentially indicates a status of power within their communities, emphasizing the theme of prestige and ceremonial practice in Neolithic Orkney.
  • Unknown Artist (from Orkney, Scotland), Westray Wife, 3000 BCE, sandstone figurine, 4 cm tall, Orkney Museum, Kirkwall
    3000 BCE

    Unknown Artist (from Orkney, Scotland), Westray Wife, 3000 BCE, sandstone figurine, 4 cm tall, Orkney Museum, Kirkwall

    The Westray Wife (c. 3000 BCE) is the only known Neolithic carving of a human that was discovered within Scotland, it featured breasts, arms, and facial details which conveys that it is a female figure. The markings on this artwork such as possible hair and even attire demonstrates Neolithic themes of human identity and symbolic attire.