New Art Book Explores 30,000 Years of Human Behavior Through Tribal and Ancient Art

A new art book, 'The Commonality of Humans Through Art', is set to revolutionize our understanding of how art has shaped human behavior over the past 30,000 years. The book, which assembles contributions from ten leading scholars in art history and cultural anthropology, explores the impact of tribal and ancient art on various aspects of human life.

Described by John Buxton, a long-time appraiser on 'Antiques Roadshow', as the most important book about art since H.W. Janson's 'History of Art', this 576-page volume features 400 vibrant color photos of tribal and ancient art objects from renowned museums and private collections worldwide. The book offers a unique perspective by grouping works thematically in terms of human life events, rather than following a standard geographical or historical arrangement.

The Commonality of Humans Through Art covers a wide range of themes, including family, motherhood, conflict, warfare, sickness, healing, religion, and the brain. Each chapter is written by an expert in the field, providing in-depth analysis of how art captures and forms social experiences across cultures and history.

Contributors to the book include distinguished scholars such as Dr. Dahlia W. Zaidel from UCLA's Brain Research Institute, art historian and anthropologist Wilfried van Damme, and Herbert M. Cole, Professor Emeritus of Art History at the University of California Santa Barbara. Their diverse expertise brings a multidisciplinary approach to understanding the interconnectivity of humanity and art.

This comprehensive work is not only a valuable reference for libraries and introductory anthropology and art courses but also serves as a beautiful coffee table book for art enthusiasts. Its unique approach to exploring human commonalities through art has the potential to change how readers perceive and interpret artistic expressions across cultures and time periods.

The publication of 'The Commonality of Humans Through Art' represents a significant contribution to the fields of art history, anthropology, and cultural studies. By examining the universal themes that connect diverse artistic traditions, the book offers new insights into the shared human experience and the enduring power of art to shape our understanding of the world and ourselves.