When did the need for artistic self-expression first arise in the history of humanity? It happened tens of thousands of years ago—much earlier than bows and arrows or fishermen’s harpoons were invented. Visual art and aesthetics date from the Palaeolithic period, and in Lithuania the history of art goes back almost twelve thousand years. Look at the variety contained in these small artefacts found in Neolithic settlements—they are made from amber, bone, horn and clay. Just like today, in those times people made eye-catching jewellery, amulets and buttons. Talismans thought to bring good luck were carved for personal use, and for special occasions artists of the period would make totemic sculptures or magic ritual staffs. These extraordinary finds reflect only one aspect of the complex worldviews held by Neolithic people. Today we can only guess what other decorative elements our Stone Age ancestors might have made from flowers, wood, leather or paint.