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Home , Hohle Fels, Long Hole Cave

Ice Age Art German Aurignac Homo Sapiens Arrival in Europe

Since long I had a special trip on the agenda, All these are situated in the arch Danube which became more and more overdue, Valley west and east of the city of . And because of its critical relevance in European what a surprise was waiting for me. Paleolithic history. French archaeologists were quick to name all It was a trip to the Schwabian Alb in Paleolithic cultures after French sites like Le southwestern to visit various pre- Moustier, Aurignac, La Gravette, Solutré and historic and museums in the area. La Madeleine.

by Thomas Kummert www.paleolithic-.com Valley view from Geissenklösterle

But homo sapiens arrived from Africa via the Near species moved in, who left behind many Mid East in Europe. So he had only two ways to reach Paleolithic stone tools. Much later from , either via or Germany. It took French 42,000 BP the valley was inhabited by modern archaeologists over 50 years to acknowledge, that man homo sapiens. the discoveries in Germany were so sensational and Paleolithic history had to be rewritten. Let me answer the obvious question straight away. No there isn’t any archaeological prove, that both Firstly the German discoveries were much older. species met and lived here together at the same Secondly they included for the first time beautiful time. But scientists of the Max Planck Institute in art objects like human and animal figures. And Leipzig recently found out through a new advanced to top it all the world’s first musical instruments DNA analysis that this must have happened. So various were discovered. we carry today some 5% Neandertal genes in us.

Pre-History Period Let’s take a step back and look It really was the first rich at our pre-history. The first and widespread culture in human presence in Germany Europe, stretching from is recorded from 600,000 BP to Southern England (before present) at a site close to and as far to the Levant in Heidelberg in Germany. This the Middle East, as as is why this human species was the Krim and Don Region called homo heidelbergensis. in . The so-called “full package” of various He was the creator of another new cultural developments, archaeologic world sensation which are typical for the in 2009, when in Schöningen Aurignacian Period, were in 300,000 found in abundance around year old hunting were Ulm. discovered – see my separate article on this website. This included the first fine art objects and musical From 115,000 BP homo instruments in pre-history neanderthalensis a new human all made from

2 ivory. What is surprising, so far in total. They are all this “full package” was not dated between 45,000 - present in this sophisticated 35,000 BP. But one figure form at all other Aurignacian stands out by far – the lion sites in Europe. man. This unique figure was found in the Stadel This leads to the assumption, , which is part of the that these new developments Hohlenstein cave complex. were actually created in the numerous caves in the Alone its size with 31 cm Schwabian Alb area. How is extraordinary large for was this possible? Based this period. And the whole on good living conditions story around it sounds so in the Danube Valley intriguing to me really like a including sufficient water, criminal investigation rather huge herds of animals and than a typical archaeological caves ideal for living, this research. “cultural explosion” could be explained. About 200 ivory fragments were excavated in 1939 and With the latest research stored away, as no one had results, it is now certain, that any idea at the time, what all Aurignacian finds are of they represented. A young homo sapiens origin. They archaeologist doing inventory also started the first serial work in the magazines of the production, and Ulm Museum some 30 years also introduction of new use later became aware of their of bones, antlers and ivory significance. as tools. He assembled the parts in These amazing human and 1970 and believed at first it animal figures, plus musical was a bear man figure. But instruments, such as flutes it is not really clear today, if all made of ivory, were found it is a male or female figure. in great numbers mainly at Lately the latter is believed to four cave sites: Hohlenstein be more likely. complex with Stadel, Vogelherd, Geissenklösterle The result of this sensational and . assembly led to more excavations at the site. But The first and the last pair of only in 1989 and even later caves are situated very close in 2009 further fragments to each other, but in between were found and added. Now the pairs is a distance of it became clear through an about a 100 km. But the added head piece, that the objects found are so similar, head of this mixed being was that a close social contact that of a lion! and interchange of ideas between the groups in the But this was not the end of Ach and Lone Valley must this truely fasinating story. have existed. More fragments were found even recently during very Intriguing Lion Man detailed re-examination Over 50 human and animal of the site including the figures made of mammoth waste dumps left by earlier ivory have been excavated excavation teams.

3 origin in a shamanic cult. it was used as pendant.

Certainly it has a ritual and This important is spiritual or totemic character. dated to Early Aurignacian and In recent years we learned, about 40,000 years old. She is that our ancestors were the oldest fully sculptured female much more intelligent and figure. Other female figurines therefore sophisticated and only appeared 10,000 years later skilled than we previously during the Period. believed. Despite her small size she has an impressive aura and it is clear Extremely Skilled Creators what her purpose was. Tests with producing replicas have shown, that it took Astonishing Flutes about 400 hours to create this It is incredible that eight flutes incredible figure. So we can have been found so far in the Ach be certain, that our ancestors as well as Lone Valley and they were skilled hunters and are all dated around 40,000 BP. 40,000 Years Later socially well organized, so that Finally in 2013 the figure spare time allowed them to Similar to the lion man these flutes was taken totally apart and create these beautiful art objects. were also assembled years after sophisticated computer scanning finding their fragments. Some and virtual modelling was used. The position of the figure to be flutes were put together from up carved out of the mammoth tooth to 30 fragments others from less. This allowed archaeologists to had to be carefully planned and A from the Hohle Fels Cave correctly reassemble the figure needed quite visionary skills. is the only one found in situ. around some still missing parts. The “new lion man” grew and now But this is not all, three more All other flutes were found during consists of over 600 assembled re-examination of waste dumps fragments. lion man figures were found at two other caves, which proves from earlier excavations. This was established shamanic cult done after the Geissenklösterle It is the most famous masterpiece Cave flute was successfully of a highly interesting and activities at that early time in pre- history. assembled in 1995. Finally this complex pre-historic puzzle. And yielded an incredible number of it is the oldest and largest human Famous Venus seven more flutes. and/or animal of the The flute found in 2008 next Aurignacian Period. Another “First” was the thrilling discovery in 2008 of the famous to the famous “venus” figure was unique. Both items were Its creator must have been an venus figurine made out of especially talented individual. mammoth ivory. Again it had Very skillful and well planned he to be assembled from nine crafted from the tusk of a young fragments and measured mammoth bull this extraordinary only six centimeters. This piece of pre-historic art. small size was a normal dimension for Aurignacian figures. Early Shamanic Cult Seven carved horizontal lines of unknown meaning on its left arm Its unusual loocking quite complete this remarkable artistic oversized form with huge creation. The interpretation of breasts, wide hips and clearly this mixed human animal being defined vulva points into the is still unclear to scientists. direction of a fertility idol. The lack of a pregnant belly Possibly the human-animal makes no difference. The coupling or temporary human tiny body was carved with transformation into animal has its lines and a small hole below the missing head shows, that

4 longer instruments with more holes. Ivory also produced a deeper and nicer tone. The three to five holes of all examples were carefully scraped out and not drilled, which eased playing allowing fingers to cover the holes fully.

Amazing Adorant This seems to be the first human figure in history. The archaeologist who found it called it the “worshipper”, because of its raised arms. Measuring only four centimeters this extraordinary discovery is carved in low relief on an ivory platelet. It was found in 1979 and was dated to 38,000 BP. In its back it is decorated with four vertical lines with 10 to 13 dots of unknown meaning. Possibly it was carried in leather pouch around the neck.

Finding The Cave excavated close to the legendary there were no signs. But I was Doing a lot of research before lion man figure. This flute was lucky, because I did zoom down the trip I was well prepared. So made out of a hallow wing bone to it on Google Earth before. before visiting the museums I of a Griffin vulture. Having a After following the path in the decided to see the caves and length of 22 cm it had place for forest up the slope, I first passed their environment first. I choose five playing holes. it. the one, which many years back I first have heard about, Flutes made out of hollow swan But then recognized the specific Geissenklösterle. It became for wing bones could be produced rock formation with the natural me synonymous with Ice Age within one hour. Due to the arch on my way back. What Art. naturally narrow hollow bone, an impressive setting it was. A the sounds they produced were shaped recline in It was difficult to find the cave, rather high. the rock face with the cave at its center. And I was totally alone, Swan wing bone flutes were also because these cave are seldom limited in length and therefore visited. had less playing holes. The length of found flutes ranged True or False? from ten to twenty centimeters. Automatically I sat down on a boulder and closed my eyes. But producing an ivory flute was Immediately the pictures came very difficult and took very much up. I was watching a large group longer. The blow pipe needed to of pre-historic people around a be carved out. For that the ivory fire place. piece was split into two, carved out and glued together again with It was a peaceful and happy birch tree resin. situation. Joyful laughs and very articulate communication But they could be produced as in a soft sounding language I

5 did not understand were ten floor building. It exchanged. is the largest cave in southwestern These people were busy Germany. The two with all the activities I side arms are both 22 have read about. Milling meters long. corn, meat, stripping and preparing Mid Paleolithic hides and producing Mousterian stone tools with retouch produced by homo technique. neanderthalensis were found. He used And then there was the the cave on a regular old man, who carefully basis, but only for short carved a lion figure periods in winter. out of a cut piece of mammoth teeth and bone pieces. tusk. Children were quietly sitting The most important finds around the men watching with Some shiny ivory pendants were are dated to the Aurignacian great interest how they split the small animal figurines, others Period. But also finds from flint stones and worked on the hidden in a leather pouch around the later Gravettian and mammoth ivory. their neck. Or was it medicine Magdalenean Period were they carried in that bag? excavated. Everything was done very skillfully and so precise. It looked so Hohle Fels Cave Geissenklösterle Cave easy, but nevertheless highly Let’s now look at these four Is one of the very important professional. They all women and incredible caves. The Hohle Fels caves and was discovered only men were true experts at what is a very important cave and still in 1958. Situated on a slope 60 they were doing. yields today many new finds. meters above the Ach Valley, The first excavations took place the cave has excellent views, And then I heard the sound of a in 1830 and five more digging which was so important for flute and some family members campaigns followed over time. hunters to spot early enough stood up and joined the dance arriving herds in the valley. around the fire. Since 1997 annual excavations are still ongoing today, which I Its setting in a horse shoe like Now I saw how beautifully their witnessed during my visit. A 30 rock formation with a natural accurately stitched leather cloths meter long entrance tunnel leads arched gate must have given were decorated with numerous into a 500 m² large hall with a its pre-historic inhabitants a ivory pearls and feathers. Men maximum heights of 30 meters. special feeling. and women wear necklaces and pendants made out of animal Imagine this is as high as a Because of the numerous

Vogelherd Cave with 3 entrances over 50 small animal figurines found here

6 items discovered here and the first excavation in 1931 precise horizons have been identified in detail researched stratigraphy, scientific dating was not yet from 100,000 to 12,000 BP. it serves as European reference possible. cave with regard to dating other Aurignacian objects. First But the oldest lion figure was Everything in pre-history evolved excavations started straight in found here from a total of seven. around hunting and regular food 1958. Further regular excavations supplies. Approximately 30 large followed and stopped in 2012, and medium sized wild animals Eight horizons with settlement when the new Archaeopark and roamed the area during the traces were identified from Vogelherd museum was opened. discussed time span. Mid Paleolithic Mousterian Here the original stone tools produced by homo The was most common neanderthalensis to more Hohlenstein Complex animal in the area. But most developed Magdalenean tools Consisting of two big caves only hunted animals were wild prepared by modern man. 20 meters apart, the Stadel and and . The latter was an Bear Cave, were discovered in easy to hunt animal and a main Vogelherd Cave 1834. Both Caves are about 60 menu item. This exceptional cave yielded meters deep. The first is more a the richest findings. Over 50 tunneled cave, but the other is During Late Paleolithic Period small were found opening up into a large hall. And mammoth was hunted for the in and around th cave, mostly as its name indicates was used additional useful material it made of ivory, rarely bone. The by bears as winter quarters. offered, such as ivory for art sensational finds here include objects and its bones were used eleven mammoth tusk ivory Here over 100 bear skulls were as tent poles. Other animals animal figurines dated around found and there is also prove, hunted were lion, hyena, wooly 35,000 BP. that bears were killed by hunters rhino, wild ox, deer, ibex, saiga during their hibernation period. antelope and wild boar. The first use as human shelter The caves have been aim of is assumed to have taken place many excavation campaigns Sensational Discoveries 115,000 BP and was mostly used from 1861 and then ongoing Besides the sensational items during the hunting season in from 2008 till today. Thirteen described above, I have listed summer and autumn. below some of the A forest elephant other amazing finds tooth from the Eem to demonstrate Period 130-115,000 you the immense BP is the best prove importance of for that. these pre-historic sites. The cave was discovered in 1931 These artistically and is 170 m² large. created objects Unique is its star are all from the shape form with three Aurignacian Period entrances on top of a and made out of small hill. During the mammoth ivory.

7 The figurines include: wild measuring a rather realistic 20 numerous ivory pearls with one horse, various mammoth, bear centimeters. Like all the other or two holes. and lion figures, bison, flying objects, it is a beautiful piece duck and fish. But some of the of pre-historic art. What totally The archaeological findings also present animals at the time are surprised archaeologist is, that indicate, that the three caves missing from the pre-historic it was possibly used for retouch Hohle Fels, Geissenklösterle and art work. Here I can list: hyena, tool making purposes scientist Brillen, lying in a triangle in the wolves, wild ox, wild boar, deer believe. Ach Valley just kilometers apart, or reindeer. were used by the same groups of Other Findings hunter and gatherers. Art & Purpose Over 117,000 stone artefacts All the animals served a and tools were collected in the Summery purpose in pre-historic beliefs excavated caves and are divided All those who are interested and cults. The explanation could into the following cultural periods: in pre-history will certainly be be simple. Either the missing Aurignacian 61,000 pieces, rewarded, when visiting the animals were not found yet in Gravettian 30,000, Magdalenean Schwabian Alb. Different to any excavation, or ancient man 25,000 and Neolithic 1,200. France, Germany has not got did have a complete religious any colorful cave paintings, but cosmos with various dieties This is a clear indication of the much more to offer with regards being represented on earth by high intensity of use of the caves to the Aurignacian Culture. animals. during the different periods. I especially liked exploring the The carved animal figures are Various ivory pendants and many caves. There are over often covered with decorations animal teeth including horse, 50 in the area. Visiting the bare such as short engraved lines fox, red deer and wolves and caves is a perfect setting to and or multiple X signs again holes and were used for jewelry better understand our ancestors arranged in a line along the body purposes. As well as the and their way of living. as seen in the picture above. The meaning of The number and closeness these decorations and of caves created for these signs is not yet clear. groups living here an incubator like innovative We already mentioned atmoshere. And possibly the venus as important a competitive situation fertility symbol. But what played a role as well. about the first phallus object in pre-history? It might have worked as a Yes this symbol was cultural cross fertilisation, also found here. And it when it came to the beauty is also part of the long and expressiveness of list of extraordinary ivory art objects. Same discoveries. might be true for the development of useful This phallus is made tools and using new out of silt stone and materials like hard antlers.

8 Geissen- klösterle Cave

Hohlenstein- Stadel Cave & 2 pictures below

Travel Tips If you have limited time, in two days you can see the most important four caves described in this article plus the Ulm and Blaubeuren museums.

Renting a bicycle is useful as there are well assigned routes to reach all caves. In the Lone Valley they are right next to the bicycle routes.

The Vogelherd Cave lies in the new Archaeopark and is a must see. The Hohle Fels is only open on Sunday or by appointment to be arranged via the Blaubeuren URMA Museum.

The Ulm Tourist Info Office has good broschures specifically on the caves in both Ach & Lone valleys.

Fohlenhaus Cave

Hohlenstein- Bear Cave

Sirgenstein Cave

9