Why Did Humans Evolve the ability to draw?
We developed the ability to draw in the prehistoric era. While early humans were still mastering the use of fire, they were mastering the art of drawing. Some of these prehistoric paintings were created using advanced drawing skills like perspective, shading, outline, and movement.
Chauvet Cave paintings, Southern France, dated 31,000 years ago.
Early Humans
Despite differences in tools due to environmental differences, a surprisingly consistent cultural behaviour and visual communication uniformity has been recorded throughout the world.
Interestingly, as far back as 40,000 years ago, cave paintings have been found globally, in large quantities, to feature common themes; painting wild animals, tracing hands and a variety of geometric shapes and finger marks.
Eventually these marks will evolve into systems of pictorial symbols and writing as humans develop complex social systems.
Progression of Art and Writing
The similarities in prehistoric cave paintings started to divulge across continents noticeably 10,000 years ago at the end of the Ice Age; when a multitude of art styles began to emerge expressing independent cultural identities and ethnic diversification (J Jacobs, 1998).
Early forms of writing were first created 5500 years ago in Mesopotamia [modern day Iraq] (E. Clayton) and independently in several other cultures; Egypt from 3000 BC and China from 1600 BC (HistoryWorld.net).
The ability to draw helped Humanity evolved its ability to communicate and was the building block necessary to propel a new cognitive and cultural beginning in our development. Drawing simplified objects helped create our modern day alphabets and writing systems, allowing the expression of creative and innovative ideas.
Concluding Thoughts
10,000 years ago, continental separation during the Ice Age caused diversification of culture and ethnic identity, however, today’s technology is closing the gap globally. We can now access, understand and enjoy worldwide content and culture. Recreations of animals, the environment, abstract geometric shapes, and self-expression are still widespread common themes and certain styles can now be considered universal. Art is always evolving, where spoken language may differ, visual language connects us.
References
The Dawn of Prehistoric Rock Art by James Q. Jacobs, 1998
Where did Writing Begin – British Library, Ewan Clayton, Accessed 2023
When did Humans Tame Fire – History.com, Jennie Cohen, 2018
History of Writing – HistoryWorld.net, accessed 2023
Image:
Replica of Painting from the Chauvet Cave, Southern France. Wikipedia, This image is public domain.