Prehistoric Artist at Poverty Point
Last week, we went to northern Louisiana to visit my uncle. He took us to the Poverty Point World Heritage Site in Epps, Louisiana. The prehistoric earthworks were built by Native Americans known as “hunters and gatherers” about 1650 BC.
Before touring the grounds, we visited the museum, where artifacts were displayed. The first thing that came to mind was Rick Rubin's book The Creative Art: A Way of Being, in which he wrote on page one, “Creativity is not a rare ability. It is not difficult to access. Creativity is a fundamental aspect of being human. It is our birthright.”
Rubin’s quote was proof right before me, displayed in glass cases. Meticulously carved and polished bird pendants were made from different miniature stones. The archeologists stated they did not know what they symbolized, but I saw them as creative works of art. If, as Rubin suggests, creativity is our birthright as humankind, then it is most assuredly true for the hunter-gatherers of Poverty Point, not just humans in the modern world.
These prehistoric artists decorated small objects, carving beautiful designs into various shapes. One of the fundamentals of drawing is line. They etched lines into stone forms, creating zigzags, circles, spirals, and hatch marks. What was their inspiration? Perhaps they observed textures and designs found in nature. Lines of leaf veins, textures of grass, shapes of insect eggs, bird feathers, raindrops on dirt, or seed pods. Artists are inspired by observations found in nature; I know I am.
Besides drawing incisive lines, they also sculpted small figurines. Some were whole figures with details of hair characteristics, pregnancy, waistlines, and basic facial features.
I was impressed by beads and gems sitting on discs graduating in circumference—think of layers of flat cakes. The display was labeled “Lapidary Industry”. (Yes, I had to look up that word!) Lapidary artists shaped ‘red jasper, quartz, and galena’ by cutting, polishing, and engraving. Amazingly, these artists also had to make needles and sharp tools to create beads. I can only imagine their patience and discipline while practicing their craft. Archeologists surmised that Poverty Point was this industry's ‘manufacturing’ site, as their findings were numerous and at different stages.
According to the Poverty Point Driving Guide pamphlet, ‘this area does not have natural stones’ for them to use. The hunters and gatherers brought them to this site from somewhere, possibly through trade or travel to the Midwest or Appalachian Mountains.
Their creative and artistic designs perfectly illustrate Rubins's statement that ‘everyone is creative.’ These Native Americans were a part of responding to their environment as humankind, creating their art, carving, polishing, and designing with their minds and hands.
What art of ancient cultures have you experienced? What thoughts formed in your mind as you viewed them? I would love to hear from you; please leave your comments below.
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/717356/the-creative-act-by-rick-rubin/
