Art and bones in the cave of Cussac
2001/10/04 Roa Zubia, Guillermo - Elhuyar Zientzia
September 2000, for the first time, the work of art and human fossils were found in the same cave.
In the French cave of Cussac, basin of the Dordogne River, fossils of four or five adults and a young man were found. On the other hand, carved on the walls of the cave, there is an image of many animals and a woman. The discovery has been surprising, especially since it is the first time that both types of traces appear simultaneously.
With the help of the French government, the discovery has been secret until July of this year. Before becoming public, scientists found that bones and images have the same dating. They belong to the Gravette period about 25,000 years ago.
It is not possible to know whether or not the bones found belong to the artists who drew them, if there are no tools to work the stone ritually at ground temperature. However, the 'archaeological contexts' of the cave can help interpret the meaning of the work.
Now, in the Prehistoric Centre of Perigueux (France), a three-year excavation project has been launched to remove all the remains in the cave. You can also make a virtual visit to the cave.
Gai honi buruzko eduki gehiago
Elhuyarrek garatutako teknologia
