What Do Cave Paintings Represent

Cave art is generally considered to have a symbolic or religious function, sometimes both. The exact meanings of the images remain unknown, but some experts think they may have been created within the framework of shamanic beliefs and practices.

What do cave paintings tell us about humanity?

Images painted, drawn or carved onto rocks and cave walls—which have been found across the globe—reflect one of humans’ earliest forms of communication, with possible connections to language development.

Why did cavemen paint in caves?

Prehistoric man could have used the painting of animals on the walls of caves to document their hunting expeditions. Prehistoric people would have used natural objects to paint the walls of the caves. To etch into the rock, they could have used sharp tools or a spear.