KYAMBOGO UNIVERSITY

COURSE WORK
COURSE CODE: VADV 1202

COURSE UNIT: HISTORY SND APPRECIATION OF ART 1

NAME: ASINGYA PROSPER

REG NUMBER: 23/U/VAD/15029/PD

COURSE LEVEL: YEAR ONE

ACADEMIC YEAR: 2023/2024

SEMESTER: TWO

LECTURERS NAME: MR. BUTINDO EDDY

QUESTIONS.

1) Discuss the main characteristic features of the;

a. Paleolithic culture with examples.
b. Mesolithic culture with examples.
2) Choose any one pre-historic art site and draw its location map.
a. Discuss its main characteristic features.
b. Significance to the immediate society.
1a) The Paleolithic culture, often referred to as the Old Stone Age, is characterized by several key
features;

• Paleolithic cultures were nomadic, relying on hunting wild animals gathering plants for
sustenance.
• Humans in the Paleolithic period crafted tools and weapons primarily from stone, bone and
wood. These tools were essential for hunting but also for other activities such as cutting,
scrapping and digging.
• Paleolithic people crafted intricate cave paintings and carvings, depicting animals, humans and
abstract symbols. These art works provide insights into their beliefs, rituals and daily life.
• Paleolithic societies likely had relatively egalitarian social structures with small bands or tribes
cooperating for survival.
• Mastery of fire was a significant development providing warmth, protection and a means to
cook food, making it more digestible and nutritious.
• Due to reliance on hunting and gathering, Paleolithic communities moved frequently in search
of food and other resources, following animal migrations and seasonal patterns.
• Evidence suggests that Paleolithic people had burial practices, possibly indicating belief in an
afterlife or spiritual rituals associated with death.

These features represent the core aspects of life during the Paleolithic period, which lasted from around
2.6 million years ago to about 10,000 years ago.

Examples of Paleolithic cultures include;

• Lascaux cave paintings; Located in France, the Lascaux cave complex contains some of the most
famous Paleolithic cave paintings, depicting animals such as bison, horses and deer as well as
abstract symbols.
• Stone tools; Numerous examples of Paleolithic stone tools have been found worldwide, such as
hand axes, scrapers and spear points showcasing the sophistication of early human technology.
• Venus figurines; Small, carved figurines depicting exaggerated female forms known as Venus
figurines, have been discovered across Europe and parts of Asia, likely serving ritual or symbolic
purposes.
• Fire pits and Hearths; Archaeological sites containing evidence of ancient fire pits and hearths
provide insight into Paleolithic fire control techniques and the importance of fire in daily life.
• Some Paleolithic communities constructed shelters using mammoth bones and other materials,
such as those found at sites like Mezhyrich in Ukraine.
• Structure like Stonehenge in England, although dating to a later period are thought to have
origins in Paleolithic culture indicating early humans capacity for organizing and constructing
monumental architecture.
• Various Paleolithic burial sites, such as Sungir in Russia, reveal complex burial practices and
rituals including the placement of grave goods alongside the deceased.
These examples provide tangible evidence of the diverse aspects of Paleolithic culture and the ingenuity
of early human societies.

1b) Mesolithic culture:

The Mesolithic period, also known as the middle stone age is characterized by several key features;

• Mesolithic cultures primarily relied on hunting, fishing and gathering wild plants and resources
for sustenance. They were highly mobile, following seasonal migrations of animals and plants.
• Mesolithic people developed more sophisticated stone tools compared to their Paleolithic
ancestors. These tools included microliths-small, finely crafted stone blades used for hunting
and other tasks which allowed for greater precision and efficiency.
• Mesolithic cultures adapted to changing environmental conditions following the end of the last
ice age. They inhabited a variety of landscapes, including coastlines, river valleys, and forests
and adjusted their sub subsistence strategies accordingly.
• While still mobile, Mesolithic groups often established seasonal camps or settlements near
abundant food sources such as rivers, lakes or coastlines. These sites were used for part of the
year before moving to near locations.
• Mesolithic people created various forms of art, including cave paintings, engravings and
sculptures. These art works often depicted animals, hunting scenes and geometric patterns,
providing insights into their beliefs, rituals and daily life.
• Mesolithic cultures practiced burial rituals, sometimes including grave goods or elaborate burial
structures. These practices varied regionally and may have reflected spiritual or religious beliefs
about the afterlife.

Overall, the Mesolithic period marked a crucial transitional phase between the Paleolithic and Neolithic
periods, characterized by technological innovation, environmental adaptation and the development of
complex social and cultural behaviors.

Examples of the Mesolithic culture:

The Mesolithic period also known as the middle Stone Age lasted from around 10,000 to 5,000 years
ago. During this time, human societies were transitioning from a nomadic, hunter-gatherer lifestyle to a
more settled existence. Here are some examples;

• Natufian culture; Located in the Levant region (modern day Israel, Lebanon, and Syria), the
Natufian culture is considered one of the earliest example of sedentary life. They lived in semi-
permanent settlements and relied on a mixed economy of hunting, gathering and some early
forms of agriculture.
• Maglemosian culture; This culture existed in northern Europe, particularly in what is now
Denmark, southern Sweden, and northern Germany. The Maglemosian people were hunters
and fishers who lived in temporary settlements made from wood and animal hides. They also
created a range of tools and weapons from bone, antler and flint.
 • Azilian culture; This culture thrived in western Europe, particularly in France and Spain around
12,000 to 9,000 years ago. They were known for their sophisticated tool making techniques
including (small stone tools), and their artistic expression through cave paintings and engraved
objects.
• Swiderian culture; This culture was found in central and eastern Europe, particularly in Poland,
Ukraine and Belams. The Swiderian people were skilled hunters and gatherers who used a
variety of stone tools, including micro blades and backed blades. They also practiced burial
rituals and created elaborated grave goods.

2a) Kasubi tombs of Buganda kings.

A MAP OF UGANDA SHOWING THE LOCATION OF KASUBI TOMBS.

b) The Kasubi tombs are built and located in Kampala, Uganda and are a UNESCO world heritage site and
serve as burial grounds for the kings of Buganda, a kingdom within Uganda. Here are some of the main
features of the Kasubi tombs:

• The tombs are built in the traditional architectural style of the Buganda kingdom, characterized
by their circular shape and thatched roofs made from reeds.
• The Kasubi tombs are considered sacred by the Buganda people and are an important cultural
and spiritual center. They serve as a place for rituals, ceremonies and gatherings related to
Buganda traditions and customs.
• The tombs contain the burial sites of four Buganda kings; Muteesa 1, Mwanga 2, Daudi Chwa 2,
and Edward Muteesa 2. Each king has a separate burial chamber within the main building,
surrounded by other sacred objects and artifacts.
• The architecture and layout of the tombs are rich in symbolism, reflecting Buganda cosmology
and beliefs, for example the circular shape of the building symbolizes eternity and continuity,
while the thatched roofs represent the connection between the living and the spiritual realm.
• The Kasubi tombs are not only a burial site but also a symbol of Buganda identity and heritage.
They are central to Buganda cultural practices including rituals honoring the ancestors and
ceremonies celebrating important milestones in the kingdoms history.

c) Its significance to the immediate society.

• The tombs are a symbol of Buganda’s rich cultural heritage and traditions. They serve as a
tangible link to the past, preserving the architectural style, rituals and customs of the Buganda
kingdom for future generations.
• The Kasubi tombs are sacred site where Buganda spiritual beliefs and practices are honored and
maintained.
• The tombs are central to Buganda’s sense of identity and belonging. They provide a shared
cultural space where members of the community can come together to celebrate their heritage,
participate in cultural events and pass down tradition to younger generations.
• The Kasubi tombs attract tourists from around the world who are interested in learning about
Ugandan history and culture.
• Despite facing challenges such as fires and political instability, the Kasubi tombs stand as a
symbol of resilience and perseverance. Their preservation and restoration efforts highlight the
importance of safeguarding cultural heritage in the face of adversity, inspiring pride and unity
within the community.
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