Cave Art and Emerging Humanity

The cave art sketches were created for a research project in Emerging Humanity (Anthropology 110J).  The project looked at the Chauvet Cave in Southern France.  I focused on the cave art creators’ influences and explored the art and symbols.  The research was inspired by our virtual trip to Lascaux Cave.  The goal was to get a sense of the history of the cave related to the artists and Paleolithic period.

The Chauvet Cave is a stellar representation of artistic skill and incredible vision for humanity.  Our species put their mark, literally, on this planet.  Though we may never know all of the artists’ true intentions, through ethical archaeological research, we can get closer than previously thought.  The cave artists and paintings are part of our history and the history of future generations.  Through sustainable actions, we can protect it so that it lasts another 32,000+ years.

Susan Potts is a senior with the Department of Anthropology.