PREHISTORY

The two Stone Ages, which are the Neolithic and the Paleolithic Ages, and thirdly the Bronze Age, carry an abundance of meaning to them and were the very start of interior design and architecture in the history of humanity. These eras were the beginning of important ideas and different techniques that humanity still uses today.

I learned that during the Neolithic and the Paleolithic Ages, stone was used for most everything, including their tools, living spaces, and furniture, etc. The people from that time had to have been very creative, using whatever materials that they had around them to create their homes with flowing systems and communities. The level of organization that they had in their homes were very interesting and advanced.

NEOLITHIC AGE:

 

In this image, I want to highlight the organization of the interior. This Neolithic Age home really designates the center of its space using the hearth, or the fireplace, having everything else fall into place around it. I find this center very grounding and foundational. It reminds me of my old house, where my family would always gather around it and spend time together. I assume the same thing happened back then, where all kinds of people, friends and families, would gather around this hearth and spend most of their time there. It being in the center just truly shows its importance to the organization of the home.

Specifically, compared to the Paleolithic Age, the Neolithic Age had established homes and spaces that were permanent. This was due to the fact that the people were more centered around agriculture and farming.

PALEOLITHIC AGE:

On the other hand, the Paleolithic people were hunters and gatherers, and they had to move around a lot to follow animals. They were a nomadic group of people, therefore not having permanent homes.

This image is from the Lascaux caves, discussed in both the reading and the powerpoint. These paintings were all over the walls of these Lascaux caves, and I would say they are one of the most consistent aspects of the Paleolithic Age. Because the people of this age were nomadic and didn't stay in one place very often, their homes were very temporary. Although, these paintings last forever. These images could never be replaced and leave a lasting mark on humanity forever.

BRONZE AGE:

In the Bronze Age, the people started to expand to new materials other than stone, like metals including copper and bronze. The following image shows some of their weapons and tools used during that time:

Interestingly, the Bronze Age began only in some areas of the world because of more access to different materials. There were some areas that were still primarily using stone because of its abundance in that area, whereas other places started to move onto using metals and alternative materials.

STONE HENGE:

One last thing I want to highlight from the Stone Age is, of course, the Stone Henge. This is one of the most recognizable structures, in my opinion, of all time. It is monumental from the Stone Age and has left an immeasurable mark on humanity today. Although we don't know its true purpose or reasoning for its creation, it is still so beautifully intricate and detailed that it deserves its own spotlight.

The astrological aspects of this formation really stood out to me because of how thoughtful and precise the people of this time had to have been. The stones' organization and placements accentuate the solstice and solar and lunar paths. My personal favorite thing about nature is the sky, specifically sunsets, and the Stone Henge is one of the most perfect places that appreciates this and accentuates it to its full potential.

STONE AGE TODAY:

Somethings still in use today from the Stone Ages are stone tools. Specifically, mortar and pestles are used in kitchens all the time to grind and crush ingredients for cooking. These are primarily made of stone.

Another aspect of our current culture that stemmed from the Stone Age is fire making. Fire is used daily in our homes. From our stovetops to our water heaters, everything has started from fire. Obviously, our culture has learned to advance fire making to match today's technology, but it still had to start from somewhere.

Finally, the Stone Age provided different types of containers, like pots and pans, that are still in use today. Although it is such a simple invention, it is one of the most useful and prominent of today's day and age.