Chauvet Cave Information

Although debate about the age of Chauvet Cave's spectacular prehistoric art is ongoing, the French caverns contain some of the most spectacular paintings known. Discovered in 1994, they are now government-owned.

Location

Chauvet Cave is in the Ardeche region of southern France, near Vollon-Pont d'Arc. It is set into a limestone cliff.

Discovery

In December 1994, cavers Eliette Brunel Deschamps, Christian Hillaire and Jean-Marie Chauvet entered the cave and discovered a chamber full of animal bones. The decorated walls featured an unusual predominance of predators, including hyenas, cheetahs and bears.

Age

Radiocarbon dating suggested that the art dated from two periods: the Aurignacian (30,000 to 32,000 years ago) and Gravettian (25,000 to 27,000 years ago). This made them the oldest currently known.

Debate

Some archaeologists, such as Christian Züchner, have argued the art might be younger, of Gravettian and even more recent periods.

Contents

Other discoveries included cave bear prints and bones, bones from other animals such as ibex, fireplace remains and a child's footprints.

Status

The cave was designated a historic monument in 2005, and in 2007 the French government acquired it for the state. It is not open to the public and is under surveillance to stop unwelcome visitors.

References

• Bradshaw Foundation: Chauvet Cave
• Rupestre.net: Discussion of Carbon Dating vs. Other Methods in Chauvet Cave
• Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History: Chauvet Cave

Resources

• French Department of Culture: Chauvet Cave