When we think of prehistoric art, images of cave paintings delicately drawn by the light of flickering fires come to mind. These ancient creations, from the intricate cave paintings in Lascaux, France, to the haunting figures in Spain’s Altamira, have survived millennia. Yet, today, they face unprecedented challenges that threaten their survival.
Surprisingly, the biggest hurdle in preserving these ancient masterpieces isn’t natural decay or the passage of time—it’s us, the very descendants of those early artists.
Modern Intrusions on Ancient Art
The discovery of historic art sites brought with them enthusiasm from the public and scholars. However, this enthusiasm has become a double-edged sword. The influx of visitors is great for education and local economies, but it introduces a few new problems. From the carbon dioxide exhaled by tourists that can disturb the delicate climate of caves to the introduction of artificial lighting that accelerates bacterial growth, our presence adds new risks.
Rethinking Our Approach
The key to preserving prehistoric art may lie in rethinking our relationship with these ancient sites. Rather than viewing them solely as tourist attractions or academic resources, recognizing them as cultural heritage that connects us to our most distant ancestors could create a more sustainable approach to their preservation.