Animating the Inanimate - Paintings that come alive!

There was a myth told amongst the North African's of a painting that would come alive, or a painting that would be replaced by a living person. This myth is seen elsewhere, and so does it have a common origin, is it modern, or can we trace it back thousands of years to a belief of our paleolithic ancestors and so perhaps a form of belief from cave paintings? If that sounds interesting then grab yourself a cup fo tea, and welcome to Crecganford.