Cave Art Discovery

Red-striped drawings found in a cave in Wales could be the oldest example of cave art in northwest Europe. These drawings were first discovered in 1912 but were later rejected as a natural formation. However, new research suggests they could be over 17,000 years old and made with finger paints.

The Story of the Discovery

The drawings were found on the walls of the Bacon Hole cave near Swansea in south Wales. When they were first discovered in 1912, scientists thought they were natural mineral deposits. But new analysis suggests they could be a very old example of cave art.

New Research

The new analysis was done by researchers from the First Art and the universities of Southampton and Swansea. They used new scientific methods to re-examine the cave art and found that the drawings date back at least 17,100 years. This makes it the oldest example of cave art in northwest Europe.

The Meaning of the Art

Archaeologist and prehistoric art expert George Nash said the art could have been used as a communication system, but its meaning is currently unknown. Nash said the area around the cave would have provided a lot of food for animals like mammoths, bison, horses, deer, and reindeer during the summer months, and hunter-gatherers may have been attracted to the area.

The Importance of the Cave

David Thomas from the National Trust said the discovery is very exciting and that the Bacon Hole cave contains the oldest example of cave art in Wales. Thomas said it's amazing to think about how people lived 17,000 years ago and how they used art to transform their environment.

Conclusion

The oldest cave art found in Wales could be one of the oldest examples of human history. This discovery can help us understand how people lived in the past, how they made art, and how they communicated. Such discoveries are important for us to continue solving the mysteries of human history.