Star Liana York - Ancient Echo (Monumental) - PLEASE CALL FOR AVAILABILITY AND PRICE

"Late in 1994, an underground cavern was uncovered in Southeastern France. It contained one of the most exciting discoveries of modern times: an untouched Stone Age sanctuary of skeletons, footprints and walls covered with over 300 extraordinary drawings and engravings of animals. These staggeringly sophisticated images are radio carbon dated to be the oldest known paintings in the world, over 30,000 years old - overturning our notions of the development of art in the history of mankind. These paintings are particularly impressive in terms of techniques used to present perspective and motion. All are powerful in execution, and coupled with their environment -- dangerous, dark, difficult to reach caves that could only be illuminated with torches -- suggest strongly that their purpose was of the most serious spiritual order. 'In the beginning of all things, wisdom and knowledge were with the animals, for Tirawa, the One Above, did not speak directly to man. He sent certain animals to tell men that he showed himself through the beasts, and that from them, and the stars, sun and moon, should man learn...' -Eagle Chief (Pawnee, late 1800s). We can't know for certain what significance these animal images held for Ice Age mankind, but there are clues; their placement in inaccessible caves, care in execution -- drawing from attitudes and mythologies of indigenous tribes who live closely to nature as did these Paleolithic people and from whom we can glean some understandings. But I believe the images speak to us in yet another way that goes beyond the conscious attempts to decipher their meanings. It is a gut consciousness... and the memory still lingers. Like peripheral vision, it requires an intuitive approach lest it be lost in too direct scrutiny." - Star Liana York