Cosquer cave
Cosquer Cave, situated in the Calanque de Morgiou near Cap Morgiou in Marseille France, features an entrance located 37 meters underwater, attributable to the sea level rise. This remarkable cave houses various prehistoric rock art engravings, ancient human artistry. Discovered in 1985 by professional diver Henri Cosquer, the underwater leading to the cave was systematically explored until 1990 uncovering its archaeological significance. Cosquer Cave as a fascinating intersection of history and natural beauty beneath the sea.
Discovery of the cave
Following a tip from another diver, Cassis-based professional diver Henri Cosquer found the underwater entrance to a cave in 1985. He first ventured into the underwater passage that year by himself, and then with a friend and diving instructor from his club. Before arriving at a subterranean lake, the path narrowed and made an abrupt curve. During one single dive, Cosquer was startled and forced to back off due to a broken lamp.
Cosquer, his niece Cendrine Cosquer, and diving club members Yann Gogan and Pascale Oriol continued their exploration of the cave on July 9, 1991. Upon closer inspection of the dry portion, they found what looked to be a handprint on the wall, indicating prehistoric art.
The Ministry of Culture's Regional Archaeological Service was notified of the discovery. The DRASM vessel Archéonaute hosted an excursion from September 18–20, 1991, under the direction of prehistorian Jean Courtin and cave art expert Jean Clottes. There was some initial doubt over the artwork's legitimacy, but this was eventually dispelled.
The cave was further examined between 2001 and 2005 and again between 2010 and 2015 in a series of archaeological research projects headed by Luc Vanrell and assisted by Michel Olive.
Divers can enter the flooded cave via a 175-meter tube. Sea level has increased since the cave was occupied, and the entrance is 37 meters below sea level. The Mediterranean coast was several kilometers to the south during the Pleistocene glacial periods, and the sea level was up to 100 meters below the cave's mouth.
The Cosquer Cave official website
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.