In the dark recesses of hundreds of caves around the world, our prehistoric ancestors painted lush panoramas of ancient animals — herds of herbivores racing across the caves’ walls and fearsome predators stalking their prey. Tens of thousands of years later, the vibrant colors and uncanny sense of motion still move us.
No one knows why our prehistoric ancestors painted cave art. The paintings are mostly located in deep caves and areas that are difficult to access, showing no signs of living spaces.
That’s one reason why many experts think that rather than decoration, cave art served ceremonial or religious purpose, and perhaps was used for shamanic ceremonies blessing the hunt or conferring protection.
