Lorraine Williamson
A team from the Bradshaw Foundation has visited the caves and treasure of Rincón de la Victoria in Málaga. This organisation documents and protects prehistoric art worldwide.
Archaeological sites remain vital to scientists for studying ancient rock art.
Importance of Rincón de la Victoria’s heritage
The mayor of Rincón de la Victoria, Francisco Salado, highlighted the significance of this historical site. “Rincón de la Victoria is a historical heritage site in itself, and the caves of El Cantal are a living example of this. Their relevance continues to attract the attention of the scientific community, making them key not only in tourism but also in academic and archaeological research,” he stated.
Collaboration with renowned institutions
The expedition, organised by British professor George Nash, provided specialists with updates on the latest research into Paleolithic rock art. Nash previously visited Victoria Cave with a National Geographic team in 2023.
The team included experts from institutions such as the Getty Conservation Institute, UNESCO, the National Geographic Society, and the Royal Geographical Society. Working alongside researchers from Málaga, they analysed newly discovered engravings and impressions made directly with fingers and stamps on previously softer rock surfaces.
Discovery of New Prehistoric Drawings
The first evidence of these prints was discovered and published in 2007, initially identifying six panels. Current studies have expanded the number of analyzed walls to twenty, revealing new artistic remains of the region’s earliest inhabitants.
These carvings, estimated to be between 50,000 and 28,000 years old, were created in a different climate. Higher humidity levels allowed Paleolithic explorers to imprint marks on cave walls before they hardened over time.
Comparable discoveries across Europe
Similar prehistoric engravings have been found in other European caves, including Altamira, El Cudón, and Hornos de la Peña (Spain), as well as Roche Cotard, Cosquer, and Rouffignac (France). Additionally, the cave of Ardales in Málaga has yielded related findings. These primitive markings predate figurative art and are crucial to understanding the evolution of early human artistic expression.
Future research plans
Research in the caves of Rincón de la Victoria will continue until the summer of 2025. The scientific team will then consider requesting an extension from the Junta de Andalucía to expand ongoing studies.
Promoting tourism and Cultural heritage
Antonio José Martín, Councilor for Tourism and Caves, emphasised the significance of these discoveries. He stated, “These findings enhance the promotion and dissemination of Rincón de la Victoria’s rich historical heritage, further positioning it as an international reference in prehistoric art research.”
The new findings reinforce Rincón de la Victoria’s reputation as a key location for archaeological studies while contributing to cultural tourism in the region.