Paleolithic cave art at Simanya Gran (Northeast of Spain): New graphic and symbolic expressions in novel territories

Identifier:  imarina:9390007

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/imarina9390007

Authors:  Salas-Altes, Miriam; Garcia-Diez, Marcos; Verges, Josep Maria; Cebria, Artur; Soto, Maria; Morales, Juan Ignacio

Abstract:
Recent years have witnessed significant advancement in the understanding of prehistoric behavior, leading to the discovery of new assemblages that challenge established knowledge within the discipline. This study presents a newly discovered Paleolithic art site in the northeast region of the Iberian Peninsula, specifically within the Simanya Gran cave complex. Excavations conducted since 2019 have revealed Neanderthal human remains and a complex litho-stratigraphic sequence dating back to the Middle Paleolithic, indicating human occupation spanning multiple periods. The documented graphic device (engravings and painting) exhibits thematic and formal characteristics comparable to Paleolithic art found in Spain and France. Through stylistic and contextual analysis, the paper proposes a tentative chronology for the graphic evidence, situating it within the mid-late Magdalenian period. Furthermore, the study explores the concept of graphic territories, suggesting that the distribution of similar graphic motifs across distant regions reflects intense socio-cultural interactions among prehistoric human groups. The significance of this discovery extends beyond its immediate geographic location, contributing to a broader understanding of Paleolithic art in the Mediterranean region and highlighting the importance of continued research in this field.