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November 2016 Vol. 54 No. 3

Clottes's Pourquoi l’art prehistorique? (2011) has at long last been translated into English. A well-known Paleolithic archaeologist, Clottes has published many fine works, among them Cave Art (CH, Dec'08, 46-1868), World Rock Art (2002), Chauvet Cave (CH, Dec'03, 41-2255), and The Shamans of Prehistory (CH, Apr'99, 36-4557). In this latest offering he tackles the question of “why” not just “what.” This is a great leap for most archaeologists, who prefer to describe what they can see and hold in their hands, rather than the nebulous realms of dreams and thoughts behind the works. Stepping beyond the traditional realm of archaeology, Clottes takes the reader on a worldwide journey from well-known Ice Age sites such as Chauvet and Lascaux to the work of contemporary aboriginal artists, tracing some of the earliest examples of human creativity in the shamanistic tradition of Homo spiritualis (man the spiritual being) rather than homo faber (man the toolmaker). Though not all readers will agree with the author's interpretation of the shamanistic art of rock art, the theory is credible. This readable and appealing translation is a must for those serious about archaeology or art history. This reviewer's only reservation is the lack of color illustrations, given the art's reliance on color and texture.

--A. Wirkkala, NHTI, Concord's Community College

Summing Up: Essential. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty and professionals; general readers.