Prehistoric Art Expressions

The following are illustrations done in India ink by anthropologist-artist K.L.Kamat based on prehistoric art found in cave shelters of Central India. The original art is in a dilapidated condition, and it is very hard to photograph or decipher the layers. Experts believe that much of the prehistoric art could be ritualistic and epheramal, as the same space has been used to draw over and over again.

This rather astonishing collection of illustrations shows the ingenuity and creative abilities of even the primitive man. For anthropologists, the prehistoric art documents the period lifestyle, their tools, their parties, and their aspirations. This exhibit will challenge art historians on the evolution of modern and abstract art, and will display surprising knowledge the early man had about zoology, science, warfare, and medicine.

Many illustrations have corresponding photographs in Kamat Research Database. Illustrations are from the personal collection of Vikas Kamat. 

There is much beauty to be found in Indian tribal art, but to appreciate it requires sympathy, imagination, and the ability to relate it to its human background. It is also necessary to understand the difficulties against which the artist has had to struggle: lack of materials, the general psychological demoralization as a result of contact with outside world, and the absence of official or private patronage and encouragement in the past.

-- Verrier Elwin

Animal Motif Illustration based on cave shelter painting, perhaps the hole in the stomach indicates hunger.
	Giraffe or Camel ? Illustration based on cave shelter painting makes one wonder if Giraffes once habitated India.
Grass Inside a Deer Illustration based on cave shelter painting. The artist perhaps meant to show that the dear ate just now. How imaginative!
	Herd Hunting Scene Illustration based on cave shelter painting
Horse Mounted Warrior Illustration based on cave shelter painting. Is that a whip or a sword?
	Horse Trainers (?) Illustration based on cave shelter painting
Hunting of a Deer Illustration based on a cave shelter painting
	Pregnancy and Wonders of Life Drawings based on pre-historic human art
Prehistoric Plough (?) Illustration based on cave shelter painting
	Prehistoric Theater Social life depicted in prehistoric cave paintings
Prehistoric Carts Illustration based on prehistoric cave paintings of Central India
	Prehistoric Theater
Prehistoric People
	Prehistoric Social Networks Social life depicted in prehistoric cave paintings
Prehistoric Paintings of Deer Illustration based on cave shelter painting
	Prehistoric Hunting Scene Illustration based on cave shelter painting shows use of a weapon
Primitive Tools of Trapping Field Rats Illustration based on a cave shelter painting
	Rider and Armed Archer Illustration based on cave shelter painting
Rider on a Decorated Horse Illustration based on cave shelter painting
	Running away with Loot Illustration based on cave shelter painting
Tiger or Cat Illustration based on cave shelter painting
	Treatment of Patients Graphic based on prehistoric cave painting, Central India

See Also:

• Pre-historic Rock Paintings -- The pre-historic rock paintings of Madhya Pradesh are 5000 to 20000 years old. Kamat wonders on the meaning of some of the paintings while narrating their value
• India in India Ink -- Line drawings of life and people of India

 

Art and expressions found in central India belonging to prehistoric period. Illustrations by anthropologist Dr. K.L.Kamat based on photographs of cave shelter paintings.

Art Expressions of Prehistoric Man