Prehistoric Period

History:

The Prehistoric Period of design describes the period in time before written accounts were used to document history and the main form of passing on culture and knowledge was prominently verbal. This causes historians to focus primarily upon artifacts to make educated guesses and assumptions. Most of these areas are documented as far back at 5,000 BC. Some are even further!

There were many apparent differences in the influences that primitive culture ranging from geographic location to available materials. In Arctic regions, inhabitants used their abundance of ice to construct primitive igloos to shield themselves from the bitter winds, while the Matmata people in the Sahara Desert carved out homes deep into the earth to protect them from the harsh, sweltering surroundings. Other types of dwellings ranged from caves to huts made out of branches and wood. The materials used to construct these shelters only survived prehistoric time if they were made from more durable materials such as stone.

An important thing to note is that patterns and imagery that were found in these sites were rarely strictly ornamental. Items such as baskets, rugs, weaved blankets, and clothing all had purposeful meanings. These meaning could be indicated whether it was through color, patterns, religious symbols, tribal loyalties, or design-societies. Furniture was also a rarity in prehistoric design.The furniture that has been scavenged was primarily constructed of wood and stone materials.

Some of the most famous prehistoric dwellings have all been discovered within the past hundred years. Laxcaux, discovered in 19040 in France, was a Paleolithic Cave around 17,000 BC. It was the first known human shelter. It was an early example of creating meaning in a space through decoration. There is over 2,000 figures inscribed onto the walls that range from animals, humans, and abstract signs.

Another famous area was Stonehenge. This was a creation during the Neolithic Period which ranged from 3200-1600 BC in Wiltshire, England. It is believed that is was a place for religious rituals, burial services, and monumental purposes. There are over 400 burial sites on the grounds. This is one of the first examples of postal and lintel construction being executed.

Current Applications:

Peer Reviews:
One of the first blogs that I reviewed was Mackenzie's. I really like how she did a small introduction to the prehistoric period then focus on Stonehenge and Skara Brae. The pieces of prehistoric furniture that she found were all very cool, especially because no one else really took that route in their blogs, by focusing on furniture
The other blog that I reviewed was Micah's. I thought the current applications of the prehistoric style of the cave influenced bedroom and the home erected between two large boulders was absolutely incredible and tasteful.  

Additional Links!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=de4kOrOaNyI
This video gives a more in depth view on the discovery and history of Skara Brae.