Which were the first artistic representations created by humans?

It's impossible to definitively say which were the *first* artistic representations created by humans. This is because the earliest forms of art are very old, and much of it has been lost to time and degradation.

However, we can look at some of the oldest known examples:

* Cave paintings: The earliest known cave paintings are found in Indonesia and France and date back to 40,000 years ago. These paintings, featuring animals and hand stencils, are thought to be representational art, meaning they aimed to depict real-world subjects.

* Figurines: Some of the earliest known figurines are the Venus figurines, carved from stone and ivory, dating back to around 25,000 years ago. These figures, often depicting women with exaggerated features, are thought to have had religious or ritualistic significance.

* Decorative objects: Early humans also used decorative objects such as beads and carved tools, which may have served both practical and symbolic purposes.

It's important to note that these are just some of the earliest known examples, and it's highly likely that even older forms of art existed, but have not been preserved or discovered yet.

Beyond these specific examples, we can consider what "art" even means in this context. Did early humans create art in the same way we do today? It's possible that some early creations were simply expressive acts with no intended meaning or artistic purpose.

Ultimately, the question of the first artistic representations is a complex one with no easy answer. The evidence we have points to a rich and varied artistic tradition dating back tens of thousands of years.