Abstract

As prehistoric cave paintings indicate, the image is one of the oldest human cultural techniques. It would appear to be found in all human cultures in various forms and plays a crucial role in many religions. But although it is ubiquitous, its forms and practices can change considerably from culture to culture. These differences should be taken into account when speaking about the image in global terms. Especially forms like the tattoo, calligraphy, and the mask are marginal in “western” culture but central to other traditions and cultures of the image.