Analysis of portable rock art from Foz do Medal (Northwest Iberia): Magdalenian images of horses and aurochs

A new approach to analyzing Palaeolithic portable rock art reveals insights into the social significance and potential manipulations of Magdalenian artefacts. Researchers examined 25 engraved plaques from Foz do Medal, Northwest Iberia, depicting horses and aurochs, using a combination of archaeological data collection, statistical analysis, and laboratory techniques. The study proposes a preliminary model to guide future analysis of over 1500 fragments, focusing on motif details, surface treatment, pigment ornamentation, and raw material origins. This method offers a more comprehensive understanding of portable rock art beyond formal and stylistic criteria, shedding light on the cultural and social importance of these artefacts during the Magdalenian period.

SOARES DE FIGUEIREDO, S., BOTICA, N., BUENO RAMIREZ, P., TSOUPRA, A., & MIRÃO, J. (2020). Analysis of portable rock art from Foz do Medal (Northwest Iberia): Magdalenian images of horses and aurochs. Comptes Rendus Palevol, (4). https://doi.org/10.5852/cr-palevol2020v19a4