The Mind in the Cave: Consciousness and the Origins of Art,   ISBN:9780500284650

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Did you think up to now that cave art might be of a somewhat remote scientific and cultural interest? Do you still cling to that dualism of the two cultures believing that only science is real science? Read this book and you will forget about that. First you get some interesting lessons in history of sciences the discovery and explanation of paleolithic art can tell. Further on the author sums up briefly but adequately the essentials of a scientific theory of knowledge. A well defendable concept for the development of consciousness and the resulting social changes is presented. Typical stages of altered consciousness link cave art to shamanism and mystical experience as found in the religious tradition ever since. Common neurobiological and neuropsychological mechanisms (which can be also be oberved in near-death experiences by the way) account for all that. It's just a small step from the paleolithic cave to modern neurotheology as pursued by Newberg and others. When it comes to their social impact these phenomenons of the human mind have an ugly and a beautiful face as we know all to well. Lewis-Williams is at once imaginative in his explanations and uncompromising in his philosophical position: We should distinguish between the pleasure we can derive from works of art we owe to religious devotion and "the terrible belief that God ist speaking directly to us and telling us not only how to order our own lives but also to impose that order on other's lives. What is in our heads is in our heads, not located beyond us. That is the crux of the matter, and is does not diminish Bach, Shakespeare, Donne and Wordsworth." (P. 291)

Customer Rating: 

Pays as much attention to how its argument is made as to promoting the argument itself--that prehistoric cave art is probably the product of a shamanic religious tradition. Clearly written, carefully documented, aimed at both the art historian and the general reader, shows the impact on art and culture of the entire spectrum of human consciousness, from rational alertness to dream and trance.

Customer Rating: 

This is a very good book, with a new view in the pre-historic mind. The art is studied based in the wiring of human mind and with emphasis in altered ststes of consciouness.

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While I wouldn't describe this book as enthralling, it's definitely one of the most enlightening works I've read in awhile. Approaching the evolution of the human mind from the standpoint of consciousness (as opposed to intelligence) hadn't occurred to me, nor had the dependence of neolithic rock art on 'shamanism' or mind-altering states, nor the implication of a class distinction based on one's ability to make (or even understand) this art. Although this book can be quite cynical, it has definitely enlarged the way I think about both art and humanity.

Customer Rating: 

I came to read this fascinating book through my interest in art history rather than anthropology or archaeology, as I wanted to know how such technically dextrous images came to be created 45,000 to 35,000 years ago. Lewis-Williams book is eminently readable for the layman - no specialist knowledge is needed to understand, enjoy and appreciate the history and research that the author meticulously unfolds in order to 'solve' the mysteries of these extraordinary cave paintings. I recommend this book to anyone with an interest in art, psychology, anthropology, archaeology, history and even neurology - it is an eye-opener. Enjoy!