Topic: Earth Science
Scientists have finally dated two prehistoric paintings in a French cave using a new technique. They found that parts of the artwork were created during different periods. This discovery can help archaeologists learn more about when people made and altered ancient cave paintings.
For the first time, scientists have accurately determined the age of prehistoric paintings inside Font-de-Gaume, a decorated cave in southwestern France. The new findings provide firm dates for two black images, a bison and a masklike figure, and reveal that parts of the artwork were created during widely separated periods.
The results could give archaeologists a powerful new way to reconstruct when people entered decorated caves, made paintings, and returned to alter or add to them. Dordogne is home to some of the best-known prehistoric art in Europe, including the paintings at Lascaux. Yet determining exactly when many of these images were created has remained extremely difficult.
Radiocarbon dating works by measuring carbon-14, a radioactive form of carbon that gradually disappears after an organism dies. Because charcoal is made from burned organic material, it can often be dated using this method. Mineral pigments, however, usually contain no carbon and therefore cannot be analyzed in the same way. Researchers had long believed that many black paintings in the region were made entirely from iron and manganese oxides.
To investigate, the researchers analyzed the chemical composition of two black figures at Font-de-Gaume using Raman microspectrometry and hyperspectral imaging. These techniques can identify materials without noticeably damaging the artwork. The scientists found traces of charcoal in the paintings' black pigment, which was distributed consistently throughout the black lines of the figures.
Once the charcoal had been confirmed, researchers received exceptional authorization to remove extremely small samples for carbon-14 dating. Analyzing such limited material is technically challenging. Scientists must collect enough carbon to obtain a reliable measurement while removing as little as possible from the ancient image.
Why It Matters
This discovery can help archaeologists learn more about when people made and altered ancient cave paintings, which can provide insights into human history and culture.
Key Facts
- The new findings date two black images in Font-de-Gaume cave to different periods: a bison (13,461-13,162 calBP) and a masklike figure (multiple dates ranging from 8,993-8,590 calBP to 15,981-15,121 calBP).
- The researchers used Raman microspectrometry and hyperspectral imaging to identify charcoal in the paintings' black pigment.
- Carbon-14 dating was used to determine the age of the artwork, which is a more accurate method than previous techniques.
- The discovery can help archaeologists reconstruct when people entered decorated caves, made paintings, and returned to alter or add to them.
- Font-de-Gaume cave in southwestern France is home to some of the best-known prehistoric art in Europe.
Key Terms
- Radiocarbon dating
- A method used to determine the age of organic materials by measuring the amount of carbon-14 remaining.
- Raman microspectrometry
- A technique that uses light to examine how molecules vibrate, producing a chemical signature that can help identify pigments and other substances.
- Hyperspectral imaging
- A technique that records subtle differences in color and reflected light at each point in an image, allowing scientists to determine which compounds are present.
Implications
This discovery can help archaeologists learn more about when people made and altered ancient cave paintings, which can provide insights into human history and culture.
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