The use of Art as a form of Education during Ancient Times edit
Art has been prevalent in society since the beginning of mankind. Over the course of years and centuries it has served many purposes, from expressing beliefs and emotions to education. In the early stages of mankind when language was a concept that did not exist, art was used as a form of education. Over the years, we have collected and preserved many different artifacts that prove this. One of the most well-known of them all is the 'Venus of Willendorf', it dates back to 28,000-25,000 BCE and belongs to the Gravettian or Upper Perigordian culture of the Paleolithic period. 'Venus of Willendorf' was important to the Gravettian or Upper Perigordian culture as it educated the people about fertility and femininity. It also represented a goddess figure.
As observed, the figure doesn't have a face and feet and has minuscule hands, hence having no importance. Whereas the stomach, breasts, and behind are big, making them the center of attention. Studies suggest that the reason for this is that it represents a fertile woman. It was made to educate the women in the Paleolithic period about fertility and the changes that a woman's body goes through during pregnancy.
Another piece of art in the ancient times that serve the purpose of education is the 'Hall of Bulls (Rotunda)', it dates back to ca. 16,000-14,000 BCE and belongs to the Paleolithic period. This painting also serves the purpose of education as it was shown to the younger children or early teenagers at the time about the dangers of the animals outside their caves. Similar cave paintings of other animals like lions also share the same purpose. Another motive for people to make these paintings would be document their lives as this is a natural human trait where people tend to leave something behind.