History 1: Prehistoric Periods

This period of time makes me think of the cavemen era, where places of dwelling were determined on what needs needed to be met, mainly determined on what individuals need to survive; food. To determine what type of dwelling one would live in the geographical location was a huge factor. Some examples of this would be an igloo in the more Arctic regions, or in the Sahara desert, the Matmata Underground houses.

During this time period furniture was not widely used, it was something that was not seen to be a necessity. However, their were visible signs of patterns and designs prevalent in the prehistoric period. Weaving was seen in blankets, baskets, rugs, and clothing. Like Wendy mentioned in class, the use of symbolism was instilled in a lot of different aspects during this time, like a current gang would use. The meaning would be in relative to different things such as, colors, patterns, and design-society, all of which were a determinate of where peoples allies played, with society, tribes, and religious views.

The artifacts of this time used what was available to them, that being natural materials. In many cases woods and stones were used to create artifacts that would usually depict humans or animals. Venus of Willendorf is the oldest known artifact/statue found that is from 30,000 B.C. which was found in 1908 and is said to be symbolize the goddess of fertility.

Overall, what I was I took out of this period as far as how living and priorities related to it were, is the basis of needs. It was a need for the individuals to get out of the elements for health, and safety. However, they needed to be able to up and leave when needed, dependent on the prey they were after or the season. Their were not signs of documentation really until 33,000 B.C. which were cave paintings done in charcoal and pigment.

It was not until 17,000 B.C. that it was obvious that their was a use for a dwelling place other than to just stay alive. The spaces were able to evolve during this time into a space with meaning, going from a shelter to more of a home. This was visible in a Paleolithic cave that was found in France, with over 2,000 figurines, that were used as decorations.

With even more of transformation into a home and a place that was more permanent place to live, where their was not as much movement was seen in 2,000-1,500 B.C. in Scotland called the Skara-brae. Here archeologists found a home with furniture, built-ins, hearth, shelves, and a lot of things found in modern day homes.

Stonehenge - Post and Lintel

Finally, mentioned in our lecture was that of the Stonehendge. A very iconic well-known landmark found in England. This is a place for religious practices, burial, and overall a monument. This is thought to be the first use of the post and lintel method, which is a main component in a structures to this day.