Ancient Art Found in Basque Country Changes Understanding of Prehistoric Society

Haaretz ^ | March 10, 2020 | Ruth Schuster

[SunkenCiv]

In fact in recent years archaeologists equipped with sophisticated methodological means have discovered 17 previously unnoticed sites in the Basque region that have art from the late Palaeolithic period, some of which may be as old as 40,000 years. The finds debunk the void theory and bring the total known Stone Age graphic sites there to 23, Ochoa confirms in conversation with Haaretz.

Danbolinzulo Cave, which lies on the slopes of Mount Ertxiña by the town of Zestoa in northern Spain, has a dazzling view of the surrounding area, the archaeologists enthuse.

Analyzing the faint, eroded images at Danbolinzulo within the broader context of prehistoric art in Spain and France, the authors hypothesize that in the pre-Magdalenian period, from 40,000 to 20,000 years ago, the local hunter-gatherer populations maintained two distinct artistic cultures. We can call them, for simplicity's sake, Iberian and French/Continental.

In the later Magdalenian period, from 20,000 to 13,000 years ago, the distinctions between these two cultural realms vanished. But before the great convergence, the Basque region, far from being a void, seems to have been a pivotal zone, occupied by people from both sides of the Pyrenees living cheek by jowl. Yet, for whatever reason, each cave site in the region seems to have just one style of rock painting.

[SunkenCiv]

Some of the art in Danbolinzulo is acephalic, some can only be identified by their horns. B. Ochoa / M. García-Diez / I. Vigiola

[SunkenCiv]

[SunkenCiv]

[2006/04/10]

[DannyTN]

If they left a record in art, is it still prehistoric?

[SunkenCiv]

Depends on what the RPM is.

[BenLurkin]

Reminds us of the story of the famous Basque castle from the early Dark Ages, long un-assailed because it had only one narrow gate for access.

Then came the tragic night when a fire broke out in the castle.

Ever since that terrible night, people have remembered to never put all your Basques in one exit.

[Cronos]

Dang you, that was funny!

[minnesota_bound]

Here is more... GRONK!!
https://www.google.com/search?q=b.c.+cartoon+dinosaur&tbm=isch&source=univ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjd_KuB-6DoAhU6HjQIHdOaC3kQsAR6BAgJEAE

[Eagles6]

"Archaeologists enthuse"

Who knew?

[wildbill]

Loooks like an assault SMG in his hand. This art must be destroyed immediately

[SunkenCiv]

LOL