Audoubert Cave Bison

Deep within the heart of the French Pyrenees, in the commune of Montesquieu-Avantès, lies a hidden treasure of prehistoric art – the Audoubert Cave Bison. This pair of clay bison sculptures, discovered in 1912, offers a fascinating glimpse into the artistic capabilities and cultural practices of our ancient ancestors.

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Historical Background

The Audoubert Cave Bison were created during the Upper Paleolithic period, specifically the Magdalenian era, approximately 15,000 years ago. This was a time when Europe was inhabited by modern humans, Homo sapiens, who were developing increasingly sophisticated tools and art forms. The Magdalenian culture, named after the site of La Madeleine in France, is particularly renowned for its remarkable cave art and portable art pieces, including the Audoubert Cave Bison.

About the Artifact

The two bison sculptures, one male and one female, are made entirely of clay. They are remarkably large, with the male measuring 64 cm in length and 47 cm in height, and the female slightly smaller. The sculptures are incredibly detailed, with the artists having taken great care to depict the animals’ muscular structure, fur texture, and even the intricate details of their horns. The clay used to create these sculptures was sourced from the cave itself, and the artists used their hands and simple tools to shape and detail the figures. The sculptures were then left to harden naturally in the cave’s cool, dry environment.

Theories and Interpretations

Interpreting the purpose of these sculptures is a complex task. Some scholars suggest that they may have been used in hunting rituals, given the importance of bison as a food source during this period. Others propose that they may have had a spiritual or religious significance, perhaps serving as a form of worship or as a means of communicating with the spirit world.
The dating of the sculptures was achieved through stratigraphic analysis, a method that involves examining the layers of deposits in which the artifacts were found. This method, combined with radiocarbon dating of organic materials found in the same layer, has allowed us to estimate their age with a reasonable degree of accuracy.
Interestingly, the cave in which the bison were found also contains numerous other examples of prehistoric art, including engravings and paintings of animals. This suggests that the cave was a significant site for the Magdalenian people, perhaps serving as a communal or ceremonial space.

Good to know/Additional Information

One intriguing aspect of the Audoubert Cave Bison is their location within the cave. They were found in a remote chamber, far from the cave’s entrance, which would have been pitch black in prehistoric times. This suggests that the artists would have needed to use some form of artificial light, such as torches or oil lamps, to create their sculptures. This adds another layer of complexity to our understanding of these ancient artists and their remarkable creations.