Mini Essay Question For Living With Getlein Mark
250 Word Mini Essay Questiontextbook Is Getlein Mark Living With A
Distinguish between the Paleolithic and Neolithic Periods in terms of time and cultural developments. Compare and contrast specific examples of artifacts, practices, and systems of belief. Discuss why art survives or does not, including the four reasons Getlein cites for how art survives, providing an example of artwork from both periods that meet one of these requirements. Consider what types of artwork or materials would not likely survive and how this might influence our perception of a culture.
Paper For Above instruction
The Paleolithic and Neolithic periods represent significant phases in human prehistory, distinguished by both temporal frameworks and cultural innovations. The Paleolithic era, or Old Stone Age, spans from approximately 2.5 million years ago to around 10,000 BCE, characterized primarily by hunter-gatherer subsistence, crude tools, and rudimentary social structures. In contrast, the Neolithic period, beginning circa 10,000 BCE, marks a shift to settled farming communities, refined tool use, and the early development of social hierarchies and religious practices (Getlein, 2010).
Artifacts from the Paleolithic include cave paintings such as those in Chauvet or Lascaux, which depict animals and symbolize early forms of spiritual expression and communication. Neolithic artifacts, such as painted pottery and megalithic structures like Stonehenge, reflect advancements in artistry, organized religion, and communal planning (Getlein, 2010). These cultural innovations highlight an evolution from mobile lifestyles to settled agricultural societies.
The reasons for art's survival, as outlined by Getlein, include durability, dissemination, universality, and cultural significance. For example, the Paleolithic cave paintings have survived because they were hidden within caves, protecting them from environmental decay. Similarly, Neolithic megalithic structures survive due to their durable construction materials and societal importance. Conversely, fragile artworks like perishable textiles or organic materials from both periods often do not survive, limiting our full understanding of ancient cultures. This survival bias influences our perception, often emphasizing monumental achievements over ephemeral cultural expressions, thus shaping modern interpretations of ancient societies.
References
Getlein, Mark. Living with Art. 9th ed., McGraw-Hill, 2010.