Skip to main content

The dawn of art

221,358 Views

2,234 Questions Answered

Best of Web

Let’s Begin…

The images in this video come from Chauvet Cave, an ancient rock art site in France. Watch the video and try to imagine the kind of people that created the art. There are no words in this video, so check out the Dig Deeper section for some context before you try to answer the questions.

Since the people who created this art have been dead for at least 10,000 years, we don't have anyone to ask about why they made it. Researchers have proposed everything from shamanism to story-telling to teaching aids for kids to learn about hunting, but the bottom line is that we don't really know why they made the art. What do you think the reasons might have been for creating all of these images?

Sign in to answer question

About TED-Ed Best of Web

TED-Ed Best of Web are exceptional, user-created lessons that are carefully selected by volunteer teachers and TED-Ed staff.

Meet The Creators

More from The Artist's Palette