AI Insight
Scientists have successfully radiocarbon dated cave paintings in France's Font-de-Gaume cave by discovering charcoal embedded within black pigments previously believed to be purely mineral-based. The dating revealed that a bison painting was created approximately 13,000 years ago, and a mask-like figure was painted in multiple phases across widely separated time periods. This represents the first precise dating of artwork in this significant cave site.
Why it matters
This discovery demonstrates that ancient artists incorporated organic materials into their pigments more extensively than previously recognized, opening new possibilities for dating prehistoric art that was considered impossible to date. The findings also reveal that some cave paintings were created over multiple generations, providing insight into how these sites were used and revisited by ancient communities.
Understand the Science
A new analysis has precisely dated paintings in France’s Font-de-Gaume cave for the first time. Scientists discovered charcoal inside black pigments once thought to contain only minerals, allowing them to use radiocarbon dating. The results show that a bison was painted about 13,000 years ago, while sections of a mask-like figure were added during several widely separated periods.
Source: Hidden charcoal reveals the true age of ancient cave paintings