Art has been a form of expression for man since the beginning of time. Early sculptures and cave art show that art has existed since the beginning of human history. Artistic methods may have changed over time, but the expression of ideas and emotions has remained. Take a look at some of the oldest art ever to have been discovered.
Bhimbetka and Daraki-Chattan Couples 700,000 BCE
The Bhimbetka and Daraki-Chattan couples are the oldest art ever discovered. They have been dated to around 700,000 BCE. They were discovered in central India in two different quartzite caves in the Madhya Pradesh region.
Venus of Berekhat Ram 230,000-700,000 BCE
This is one of the oldest prehistoric sculptures ever discovered. There is some controversy, as some paleontologists believe that it was formed by natural erosion. It was discovered in 1981 in the Golan Heights between Syria and Israel. It is believed to predate Homo sapiens and Neanderthals, and Homo erectus possibly created it.
Venus of Tan-Tan 200,000-500,000 BCE
This sculpture is six centimeters long and two centimeters in diameter. It is among the oldest pieces of art from prehistoric times. It was discovered near the Moroccan town of Tan-Tan in the river Draa. It is believed to have been done prior to the Homo Sapiens era.
Blombos Cave Engravings 70,000 BCE
These engravings are the oldest pieces of sub-Saharan African art, and they contain two pieces of ochre rock that are engraved with geometric abstract signs and a series of beads. They are made of Nassarius kraussianus shells, were discovered in 2002, and date to 70,000 BCE. They show that early pre-humans were capable of understanding symbols and abstraction.
Diepkloof Eggshell Engravings 60,000 BCE
These eggshell engravings were found in Diepkloof Rock Shelter in Western Cape, South Africa. They were carved onto an ostrich eggshell, and they show abstract art techniques, including geometric motifs and crosshatching. They date to approximately 60,000 BCE.