What does prehistoric art reveal about cultural organization?

Prehistoric art offers significant insights into the cultural organization of early human societies. Here's an analysis of the points you mentioned:

1. **The development of art and ritual is not possible in the extended family unit.**
This statement suggests that complex art and ritual require a larger social structure than the immediate family, which is likely accurate. As societies evolved from small family units to larger groups, they developed more complex forms of social organization, including shared beliefs, communal rituals, and art that served social or spiritual functions.

2. **Different tasks and skills had begun to develop within the group outside of food gathering.**
This point is well-supported by evidence of specialization in prehistoric societies. As groups grew and their lifestyles became more complex, individuals began to take on specific roles beyond food gathering, such as artisans, shamans, or ritual leaders. Artwork from this period often reflects these emerging roles and the importance of community identity.

3. **Prehistoric art provides a role for women within the group.**
Although much of prehistoric art focuses on hunting and animals, there is evidence that women played significant roles in these societies, which may be reflected in the artwork. Some interpretations suggest that certain cave paintings, figurines, and symbolic artifacts may represent female figures or female-centric themes, indicating women's social roles and contributions.

4. **Depictions of the hunt and animals do not reflect the natural environment.**
Many prehistoric artworks, particularly cave paintings, do depict animals and hunting scenes that are quite realistic and likely reflect the natural environment in which they lived. However, some interpretations argue that artistic depictions may be symbolic rather than purely representational, serving as a way to convey deeper meanings such as fertility, spirituality, or social cohesion.

Overall, prehistoric art serves as a valuable window into the cultural organization of early human societies, revealing the complexity of social roles, the importance of community and ritual, and possibly the shared experiences and beliefs of these groups.