The cave of Altamira has the privilege of being the first place in the world where the existence of cave art from the Upper Paleolithic age was identified. Its singularity and quality, its magnificent conservation, and the freshness of its pigments made its recognition to be postponed for a quarter of a century (Led to the postponement of its recognition for a quarter of a century.). At that time, it was a scientific anomaly, a discovery that set up a giant leap and not an incremental step. It was a phenomenon difficult to understand for the society of the nineteenth century, shaken by extreme and rigid scientific postulates.
Bison, horses, deer, hands, and mysterious signs were painted or engraved during the millenniums in which the cave of Altamira was inhabited (between 35.000 and 13.000 before the present). These representations extend throughout the length of the cave ― more than 270 meters ―, although it is best known for the famous polychrome paintings. Its preservation in excellent conditions constitutes a science and heritage management challenge and it is the priority objective and raison d'être of the Museum of Altamira. …show more content…
He informed Marcelino Sanz de Sautuola, who first visited the cave in 1875. Three years later, he attended the World's Fair held in Paris where he saw first hand some of the prehistoric objects found in the caves in the south of France, where excavations had been on going for some years in search of mankind’s most ancient times. Sautuola, who already had an extensive background in natural sciences and history, went back to Spain with a renewed prespective and decided to undertake his own excavation works on the caves in Cantabria. He returned to Altamira, accompanied by his daughter María. She would be the first one to see the famous polychrome
Bison, horses, deer, hands, and mysterious signs were painted or engraved during the millenniums in which the cave of Altamira was inhabited (between 35.000 and 13.000 before the present). These representations extend throughout the length of the cave ― more than 270 meters ―, although it is best known for the famous polychrome paintings. Its preservation in excellent conditions constitutes a science and heritage management challenge and it is the priority objective and raison d'être of the Museum of Altamira. …show more content…
He informed Marcelino Sanz de Sautuola, who first visited the cave in 1875. Three years later, he attended the World's Fair held in Paris where he saw first hand some of the prehistoric objects found in the caves in the south of France, where excavations had been on going for some years in search of mankind’s most ancient times. Sautuola, who already had an extensive background in natural sciences and history, went back to Spain with a renewed prespective and decided to undertake his own excavation works on the caves in Cantabria. He returned to Altamira, accompanied by his daughter María. She would be the first one to see the famous polychrome