Mandrin cave
Grotte Mandrin is a cave and archaeological site in southern France, located near the small town of Malataverne in the Rhône Valley.
It shows evidence of early modern humans coexisting with Neanderthals in the cave. The presence of modern humans has been dated to between 56,800 and 51,700 years ago, making it one of the earliest known sites of modern human habitation in Europe.
Location:
Located on the left bank of the Rhône River, near Malataverne, in the Drôme department of southern France.
Significance:
The site has revealed evidence of alternating occupation by both Neanderthals and modern humans.
Grotte Mandrin Cave in France - Neanderthals and Homo Sapiens coexistence
Discovery of the cave
Grotte Mandrin, a limestone cave in southern France near Malataverne, was discovered in the 1960s. It has yielded a wealth of archaeological information, including numerous animal bones and stone artifacts, and evidence of alternating Neanderthal and modern human (Cro-Magnon) occupation. The presence of modern humans at the site has been dated to between 56,800 and 51,700 years ago, which is earlier than previously accepted dates for the colonization of Europe by modern humans (according to Wikipedia).
The duplicate of the Cosquer Cave, which has been buried for 30,000 years at a depth of 37 meters beneath the sea, will finally reveal its secrets on Saturday, June 4, 2022, at the Villa Méditerranée in Marseille. An "underwater" model of the prehistoric cave that may be visited in exploring vehicles is part of the three-story narrative about the Cosquer Cave and its discovery.
The inhabitants of the cave, HOMO SAPIENS, their interactions with the animals in the bestiary, their self-representations, and their activities in the sea are the main subjects of the Galerie de la Méditerranée. Experience an immersive environment at 2,500 square meters, where you can learn about Palaeolithic rock art and how the cave was submerged due to rising sea levels.
COSQUER CAVE ART AND PEOPLE
The Cosquer Cave is an underwater cave containing remarkable Paleolithic art dating back to two main phases:
• Older phase: ~27,000–19,000 BP (Gravettian period)
• More recent phase: ~18,500–16,500 BP (Solutrean-Magdalenian transition)
The cave's entrance is now submerged due to rising sea levels, but its art remains exceptionally well-preserved. Below is an iconographic analysis of its paintings and engravings, focusing on their themes, techniques, and possible interpretations.
1. Animal Representations (Zoomorphic Imagery)
The cave features over 200 animal figures, with a striking dominance of marine animals—unique among Paleolithic caves.
Key Species Depicted:
• Seals & Penguins (Great Auk?)
◦ Rare in Paleolithic art, suggesting close interaction with coastal environments.
◦ May symbolize hunting practices or seasonal migrations.
• Horses & Bison
◦ Common in European cave art, possibly representing hunting targets or spiritual symbols.
• Chamois & Ibex
◦ Mountain animals, perhaps indicating seasonal movements between coast and uplands.
• Aurochs & Megaloceros (Giant Deer)
◦ Large herbivores, possibly linked to strength, fertility, or cosmological myths.
• Fish & Jellyfish (Rare in Cave Art)
◦ Indicate marine subsistence and a deep familiarity with aquatic life.
2. Human & Hybrid Figures (Anthropomorphic Imagery)
• Negative Hand Stencils
◦ Made by blowing pigment over hands pressed against the wall.
◦ Possible meanings: Identity markers, ritual acts, or protective symbols.
• A "Sorcerer" Figure (Partial Human-Animal Hybrid)
◦ Some scholars interpret this as a shamanic figure, linking humans and animals in a spiritual context.
3. Geometric & Abstract Signs
• Dots, Lines, and Claviforms (Club-shaped signs)
◦ Often found near animal figures.
◦ Hypotheses: Counting systems, territorial markers, or symbolic codes.
4. Unique Aspects of Cosquer Cave
• Marine Focus: Unlike Lascaux or Chauvet, Cosquer emphasizes sea life, reflecting a coastal adaptation.
• Dual Chronology: The two phases show stylistic evolution, possibly reflecting cultural shifts.
• Submerged Context: The cave’s inaccessibility (now underwater) may have enhanced its sacred or liminal status.
Possible Interpretations of the Cave’s Function
1. Hunting Magic Theory
◦ Animals depicted to ensure successful hunts (sympathetic magic).
2. Shamanic Ritual Space
◦ The cave as a portal to the spirit world, with hybrid beings as spirit guides.
3. Initiation or Rites of Passage
◦ Hand stencils may mark youth initiations or group ceremonies.
4. Cosmological Map
◦ Animal groupings could represent seasonal cycles or mythic narratives.
Conclusion
The Cosquer Cave’s art blends naturalistic animal depictions with symbolic and abstract elements, reflecting a complex cultural and spiritual relationship with the environment. Its marine themes set it apart from other Paleolithic caves, offering a rare glimpse into coastal Paleolithic life.