Cosquer Revisited

 

Jean Clottes - Conservateur Général du Patrimoine, France  

 

Abstract: Prehistoric rock art has been discovered on every continent inhabited by human beings. It helps us define what it means to be human, as well as the specific beliefs and practices of ancient cultures. Dr. Clottes will speak on the relatively recent discovery of and first in-depth research on Cosquer Cave, the “cave beneath the sea.” The site was used 27,000 years ago and contains some of the world’s earliest art, including a human figure with a seal’s head, 65 adult and juvenile hand prints, 187 animal representations, and over 200 geometric signs. There is also evidence that visitors once collected minerals from the cave walls and floors, likely for medicinal purposes. The site thus represents the earliest known pharmacopeia and suggests an intimate relationship between the art and other important activities.

 

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