The Cave Bear (Ursus spelaeus) Scratches in Chauvet Cave (Ardèche, France)

Identifycation, 3D Mapping and Paleoethological Consideration from Wall Marking Activities

Abstract

The Chauvet Cave in south-eastern France is world famous for its exceptionally well-preserved rock art (paintings, engravings), dating exclusively from the early Late Paleolithic (32-36,000 years). This cavity also contains evidence of occupation by cave bears (Ursus spelaeus), on the floors (bones, beds, footprints) and walls (scratches, bärenschliffen). Based on 3D modelling of floors, walls and vaults in several galleries, a morphometric analysis is currently carried out and proposes a new methodological approach for these paleobiological records (size/shape of scratches, scratches measurements, density of scratches/m2, height of ursid marks on the walls, variability, spatialization). First results suggest a high density of scratches in deeper galleries of the cavity (between 80 and 160 meters from the Paleolithic entrance). Scratch sizes reveal intense wall marking activities by cave bear cubs and adult females and in a much less proportion by adult/large males.

Date
Jul 24, 2022 — Jul 31, 2022
Location
Savoie Technolac
73370 Le Bourget-du-Lac
Philippe Fosse
Philippe Fosse
Palaeontologist

Head of fauna studies

Jean-Baptiste Fourvel
Jean-Baptiste Fourvel
Palaeontologist
François Baleux
François Baleux
Geomatician

3D capture and photogrametry

Nicolas Frerebeau
Nicolas Frerebeau
Archaeologist
Carole Fritz
Carole Fritz
Archaeologist

Research Team Leader

Oscar Fuentes
Oscar Fuentes
Archaeologist
Diego Garate
Diego Garate
Archaeologist
Nicolas Lateur
Nicolas Lateur
Archaeologist
Antoine Laurent
Antoine Laurent
Geomatician

3D capture and photogrametry

Michel Philippe
Michel Philippe
Palaeontologist
Olivia Rivero
Olivia Rivero
Archaeologist
Thomas Sagory
Thomas Sagory
Archaeologist

3D capture and photogrametry

Gilles Tosello
Gilles Tosello
Prehistorian