I believe objects can be divided into two big categories: manmade and made by nature. When the first humans appeared on earth I am sure at some point they realized they were surrounded by all sorts of natural objects. And just like other primates they realized that these objects could be used as tools. But I believe the most exciting revelation was when they realized that they could transform natural objects to fit their needs. So they sharpened stones and bones, they made beads, clothes and tools.
Tools from the Paleolithic
It would be great to know how these first creators felt about their objects. Did they feel like we feel about them today? Did they have a "magical" connection with their creations? Were there creative humans who created objects just for for the sake of creating beauty? Prehistory doesn't only give us examples of tools, but also examples of admiration of beauty, like the venus figurines that were found all over the world.
Venus figurines
Venus de Valdivia
There were objects that were purely utilitarian and some that seem to be made just to admire their beauty. We can't be sure if paintings or objects were made as "art for arts sake"...or if they were made for rituals. I like to believe that they were made for beauty's sake.
However my favorite objects are the ones that combine both aspects, beauty and function.
Precolumbian objects from the Gold Museum in Bogotá
I consider these first creators, the first designers. Maybe they weren't making their objects industrially, although in many places evidence of the use of molds and templates has been found which means that some objects were probably made in series. However they seemed to be looking to reconcile beauty and function and isn't that what many designers do today?
