Publications
A methodological approach to rock art survey and recording via drone. The application to the Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin of the Iberian Peninsula assemblage
Advancements in drone technology, particularly the use of LiDAR imagery, have revolutionized archaeological surveying, especially for inaccessible open-air rock art shelters. This study introduces a refined methodology using the DJI Mavic 3 drone to survey and record prehistoric rock art within UNESCO’s World Heritage List property: Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin on the Iberian Peninsula. The approach not only enhances documentation but also addresses conservation challenges and manages human activity threats in these fragile environments. By leveraging cutting-edge drone capabilities, researchers demonstrate its potential for broader applications in preserving and studying vulnerable archaeological sites.
Making a Difference: Palaeolithic Iconography as a Trait of Identity in the Iberian Peninsula
Palaeolithic iconography on the Iberian Peninsula reveals distinct cultural identities through animal motif preferences. Research shows that while horse, ibex, and deer were universally depicted across Cantabrian, inland Iberia, and Mediterranean regions, bison, hind, and aurochs motifs varied significantly, suggesting a blend of palaeoecological and cultural influences. The study analyzed 3,341 graphic units using multivariate statistics to classify figurative themes by their discriminating power, offering new insights into Palaeolithic artistic expression and its regional variations.
Portable X-ray Fluorescence Analysis of Levantine and Schematic Art Pigments from the River Vero Shelters (Huesca, NE Spain)
Researchers have uncovered significant insights into the pigments used in prehistoric cave paintings within the UNESCO-listed 'Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin on the Iberian Peninsula.' Using portable X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (pXRF), a non-destructive and multi-elemental analysis technique, they examined eight rock shelters in the River Vero canyon, Huesca, Spain. The study revealed that red pigments, primarily based on iron minerals, were the most prevalent across all shelters, with varying iron contents suggesting differences in conservation states. Black pigments, lacking manganese, were linked to bone char or carbon black, while phosphorus content indicated the use of bone phosphates as a filler or binder. Additionally, gypsum detected was determined to be of external origin, likely from atmospheric dust. This pXRF analysis provides a foundation for future characterization studies involving other portable chemical techniques.
Macro Photogrammetry & Surface Features Extraction for Paleolithic Portable Art Documentation
A groundbreaking methodology using macro photogrammetry has been developed to document Paleolithic portable art with unprecedented accuracy. This approach generates 3D models and orthorectified images at a spatial resolution of tens of microns, enabling the detailed documentation of faint paintings and fine engravings on limestone plaquettes. The study focuses on plaquette number 16330 from Cova del Parpalló, a significant Paleolithic site in Spain's UNESCO-listed Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin. By leveraging HyperCube and DStretch software for data processing, researchers have created an objective and reproducible documentation that challenges and reinterprets earlier graphic records from the 1990s. This methodology not only advances the field of archaeological documentation but also provides a new standard for preserving and analyzing delicate Paleolithic art.
Difusión del Arte Rupestre a Través de Aplicaciones Móviles de Realidad Aumentada: Un Enfoque Práctico
Augmented Reality (AR) applications offer a promising solution for the dissemination and conservation of rock art, as demonstrated by their successful implementation at the Cova dels Cavalls site. This study presents two innovative AR approaches: one using marker recognition to display virtual content, and another that overlays information directly onto recognized real paintings. These techniques enhance visitor engagement while promoting non-invasive conservation by eliminating direct contact with the fragile surfaces. The research evaluates the effectiveness of these methods, providing a methodology for their development and application in cultural heritage contexts.
Documentación 3D de la Cova dels Cavalls y de su Entorno (Tírig, Castellón)
A groundbreaking geomatics workflow successfully documented the complex rock art of Cova dels Cavalls, part of the UNESCO-listed Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin on the Iberian Peninsula. This 3D digital representation method offers a reliable way to preserve and transmit archaeological heritage to future generations. The study meticulously captured the site's intricate details through various stages, from data acquisition to producing photorealistic models. These high-precision models provide unprecedented insights into the rock art, ensuring its conservation and accessibility for both academic research and public engagement.
Documentación 3D de abrigos rupestres a partir de láser escáner y de procesos fotogramétricos automatizados
A groundbreaking geomatic approach combining laser scanning and automated photogrammetry has revolutionized the metric documentation of archaeological rock art. This method, applied to Coves de la Saltadoraenables high-precision archiving, visualization, analysis, management, and monitoring of cultural heritage. The workflow, from data acquisition to final outputs like 3D models, photorealistic models, and orthophoto mosaics, sets a new standard for preserving and studying such sites with unprecedented detail.
Documenting the light sensitivity of Spanish Levantine rock art paintings
Microfading spectrometry (MFS) proves effective for assessing the light sensitivity of prehistoric rock art pigments, offering valuable insights into their photostability. A study at Cova Remígia, a UNESCO-listed Levantine rock art site in Spain, measured reflectance curves and evaluated pigment response to natural daylight exposure. Preliminary findings suggest MFS is a promising technique for studying the degradation risks posed by environmental factors such as sunlight, wind, and rain—key concerns for preserving these culturally significant paintings. While advantages and limitations of the method are discussed, this approach provides a scientific basis for monitoring and protecting vulnerable rock art systems in Mediterranean Basin sites.
Rock art of the Mediterranean basin on the Iberian Peninsula. From El Cogul to Kyoto
Roca dels Moros in El Cogul, the first documented prehistoric rock art site in Catalonia, stands as a pivotal discovery in Iberian Peninsula's prehistoric art history. Its significance rivals that of Altamira's bison paintings and has driven international recognition for Mediterranean basin rock art. This study synthesizes over a century of research on post-Palaeolithic rock art in the region, highlighting its cultural importance and the conservation efforts by public administrations. These efforts culminated in the inclusion of these sites on UNESCO’s World Heritage list, underscoring their global heritage value.
You are here:
World Heritage Explorer > World Heritage Research > World Heritage Sites > Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin on the Iberian Peninsula