“Startling Discoveries: Researchers Unearth Over a Hundred Ancient Paintings in Concealed Cave”
A remarkable Palaeolithic cave art site, possibly one of the most significant on the Eastern Iberian Coast in Europe, has been brought to light by archaeologists. Nestled within the ‘Cova Dones’ or ‘Cueva Dones,’ a 500-meter-long cavern near Millares, Valencia, Spain, researchers have unveiled over a hundred ancient paintings and engravings, estimated to be at least 24,000 years old.
While this cave site has long been known to locals and frequented by hikers and explorers, the presence of Palaeolithic paintings remained hidden until June 2021, when researchers from the universities of Zaragoza and Alicante in Spain, in collaboration with the University of Southampton in the UK, made the astounding discovery. Their findings, underscoring the profound significance of this cave art, have now been published in the journal Antiquity.
Dr. Aitor Ruiz-Redondo, Senior Lecturer of Prehistory at the University of Zaragoza and research affiliate at the University of Southampton, comments on the discovery: “The moment we encountered the first depiction of a painted auroch, an extinct wild bull, we immediately recognized its importance. Although Spain boasts the largest number of Palaeolithic cave art sites, they are predominantly concentrated in the northern regions. Eastern Iberia, on the other hand, has seen few documented sites of this nature.”
He further adds, “The true magnitude of its significance only became apparent after we embarked on a systematic survey. We found ourselves face to face with a major cave art site, rivaling those found in Cantabrian Spain, southern France, or Andalusia, yet notably absent in this particular territory.”
The research team, led by Dr. Ruiz-Redondo, Dr. Virginia Barciela-González, Senior Lecturer of Prehistory at the University of Alicante, and Dr. Ximo Martorell-Briz, research affiliate at the University of Alicante, has meticulously documented over a hundred ‘motifs’ or designs within Cova Dones thus far. The sheer number of motifs and the diversity of techniques used in their creation establish this cave as the most prominent Palaeolithic cave art site on the eastern Mediterranean coast of the Iberian Peninsula. In fact, it may well be the cave with the largest number of motifs discovered in Europe since Atxurra in 2015.
The study highlights the presence of at least 19 confirmed animal representations, including hinds, horses, aurochs, and deer. Remarkably, the majority of these paintings were executed using clay.
Dr. Aitor Ruiz-Redondo explains the technique: “Animals and symbols were rendered by dragging fingers and palms coated with clay across the cave walls. The cave’s humid environment played a crucial role: it allowed the ‘paintings’ to dry slowly, preventing certain clay portions from rapidly falling off, while others were covered by calcite layers, thus preserving them for posterity.”
While the use of clay in Palaeolithic art is not unprecedented, examples of its utilization and preservation are relatively rare. However, in Cueva Dones, this technique takes center stage.
The researchers emphasize that their investigations remain in the early stages, with many areas yet to be surveyed and numerous panels awaiting documentation. As a result, it is highly likely that more artistry will be unveiled in the years to come.
Reference: “Cova Dones: a major Palaeolithic cave art site in eastern Iberia” by Aitor Ruiz-Redondo, Virginia Barciela, and Ximo Martorell, published on September 8, 2023, in Antiquity. DOI: 10.15184/aqy.2023.133
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Palaeolithic cave art discovery
What is the significance of the recent cave art discovery in Cova Dones?
The discovery of ancient cave art in Cova Dones is highly significant due to its status as one of the most important Palaeolithic cave art sites on the Eastern Iberian Coast. It offers valuable insights into the artistic expressions of our distant ancestors and sheds light on the prehistoric cultures that once inhabited the region.
How old are the paintings found in Cova Dones?
The paintings and engravings in Cova Dones are estimated to be at least 24,000 years old, dating back to the Palaeolithic era. This makes them a remarkable testament to the artistic capabilities of early humans in Europe.
Who made the discovery in Cova Dones?
The discovery in Cova Dones was made by a team of archaeologists and researchers from the universities of Zaragoza and Alicante in Spain, along with the University of Southampton in the UK. Dr. Aitor Ruiz-Redondo, Dr. Virginia Barciela-González, and Dr. Ximo Martorell-Briz were among the key figures involved in the research.
What kinds of motifs or designs were found in the cave?
The cave art in Cova Dones includes a diverse array of motifs and designs. Researchers have documented at least 19 confirmed animal representations, such as hinds, horses, aurochs, and deer. These animals were depicted using various techniques, with a significant number of the paintings created using clay.
Why is the use of clay in these paintings noteworthy?
The use of clay in Palaeolithic art, while not entirely unheard of, is relatively rare. In Cueva Dones, it stands out as the primary technique for creating the paintings. The cave’s humid environment played a crucial role in the preservation of these clay-based paintings, making them a unique and noteworthy aspect of this discovery.
Are there plans for further research in Cova Dones?
Yes, the investigations into Cova Dones are ongoing, and there are still many areas within the cave that have not been surveyed, as well as numerous panels awaiting documentation. The research team expects to reveal more art and gain further insights into this remarkable Palaeolithic cave art site in the coming years.
More about Palaeolithic cave art discovery
- Antiquity Journal Article – Link to the original research article titled “Cova Dones: a major Palaeolithic cave art site in eastern Iberia,” which provides detailed information about the discovery in Cova Dones.
- University of Zaragoza – The website of the University of Zaragoza, where Dr. Aitor Ruiz-Redondo, one of the key researchers, is affiliated.
- University of Alicante – The official website of the University of Alicante, where Dr. Virginia Barciela-González and Dr. Ximo Martorell-Briz, members of the research team, are associated.
- University of Southampton – The website of the University of Southampton, where Dr. Aitor Ruiz-Redondo is a research affiliate.
