TPO 70

The reading suggests that the aim behind the cave paintings of Lascaux was to guarantee a successful hunt. The lecturer, however, disputes this theory, mentioning that there is little actual evidence to support this.

First, the reading argues that animals painted in Lascaux were the ones that used to be hunted by Paleolithic people. Moreover, some of them are wounded by arrows and spears in the paintings. The speaker notes that many of these animals, such as cats, were not hunted at all. In addition, there is no painting of the rain deer, which was the most hunted animal by these people. Besides, just a small number of the animals in these pictures are wounded.

Second, this is true that in some tribes, hunters used animals' heads. However, these humans with animal heads are not shown hunting; even they are not standing. They are depicted horizontally laying on their backs, the meaning of which is unknown.

Third, the passages pointed out that the reason behind these pictures might be found in this ancient belief that these images have a magical power to bring the scene into reality. While the lecturer states another possible purpose might be magical ceremonies. The ancient people were interested in recalling the spirits of their ancestors through some types of magic rituals.