Title
The First Signs: Unlocking the Mysteries of the World's Oldest Symbols,Used
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One of the most significant works on our evolutionary ancestry since Richard Leakeys paradigmshattering Origins, The First Signs is the firstever exploration of the littleknown geometric images that accompany most cave art around the worldthe first indications of symbolic meaning, intelligence, and language.Imagine yourself as a caveman or woman. The place: Europe. The time: 25,000 years ago, the last Ice Age. In reality, you live in an openair tent or a bone hut. But you also belong to a rich culture that creates art. In and around your cave paintings are handprints and dots, xs and triangles, parallel lines and spirals. Your people know what they mean. You also use them on tools and jewelry. And then you vanishand with you, their meanings.Join renowned archaeologist Genevieve von Petzinger on an Indiana Jonesworthy adventure from the openair rock art sites of northern Portugal to the dark depths of a remote cave in Spain that can only be reached by sliding facefirst through the mud. Von Petzinger looks past the beautiful horses, powerful bison, graceful ibex, and faceless humans in the ancient paintings. Instead, shes obsessed with the abstract geometric images that accompany them, the terse symbols that appear more often than any other kinds of figuressigns that have never really been studied or explained until now.Part travel journal, part popular science, part personal narrative, von Petzingers groundbreaking book starts to crack the code on the first form of graphic communication. Its in her blood, as this talented scientists grandmother served as a codebreaker at Bletchley. Discernible patterns emerge that point to abstract thought and expression, and for the first time, we can begin to understand the changes that might have been happening inside the minds of our Ice Age ancestorsoffering a glimpse of when they became us.
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- Q: What is the main focus of 'The First Signs' by Genevieve von Petzinger? A: 'The First Signs' explores the geometric images found alongside cave art, highlighting their significance in understanding the origins of symbolic meaning, intelligence, and language among early humans.
- Q: Who is the author of 'The First Signs'? A: The author of 'The First Signs' is Genevieve von Petzinger, a renowned archaeologist known for her research on prehistoric art.
- Q: What type of binding does 'The First Signs' have? A: 'The First Signs' is available in hardcover binding, which provides durability and longevity for readers.
- Q: How many pages does 'The First Signs' have? A: 'The First Signs' contains a total of 320 pages, offering an in-depth exploration of its subject matter.
- Q: When was 'The First Signs' published? A: 'The First Signs' was published on May 31, 2016.
- Q: What category does 'The First Signs' fall under? A: 'The First Signs' is categorized under History, making it suitable for readers interested in anthropology and prehistoric studies.
- Q: What condition is 'The First Signs' available in? A: 'The First Signs' is available in new condition, ensuring that customers receive a fresh copy without any damage.
- Q: What can readers expect from the narrative style of 'The First Signs'? A: 'The First Signs' combines elements of travel journal, popular science, and personal narrative, making it accessible and engaging for a wide audience.
- Q: Is there any specific material used in the production of 'The First Signs'? A: The material specifics are not provided, but the hardcover edition typically involves durable materials suitable for bookbinding.
- Q: What is the significance of the geometric images discussed in 'The First Signs'? A: The geometric images signify early forms of graphic communication, suggesting the development of abstract thought and expression in Ice Age humans.