Cave Art in Wales Dismissed as Natural in 1928 Now Found to Be 17,100 Years Old
A striped rock panel in a Welsh cave, dismissed as a natural phenomenon in 1928, has been reclassified as the oldest known cave art in Britain and north-western Europe. The panel at Bacon Hole near the Mumbles was first reported as Palaeolithic rock art in 1912 by professors William Sollas and Henri Breuil, but a later assessment concluded the red streaks were mineral seeping through the rock. New analysis led by archaeologist Dr. George Nash used uranium‑thorium dating to determine the pigment was applied by human hand 17,100 years ago. The research, published in the journal Quaternary, confirms the original 1912 interpretation and reveals that the paint was applied with a finger in a deliberate horizontal pattern. The cave, under the custodianship of the National Trust of Wales, is not currently a scheduled monument, but the academics argue it should now receive that protection.
What’s reported
The striped rock panel was originally discovered in 1912 and hailed as the first prehistoric cave painting in England.
By 1928 it was deemed a natural phenomenon caused by red oxide mineral seeping through rock.
New analysis using uranium‑thorium dating has established the pigment is 17,100 years old, making it the oldest rock art in Britain and north‑western Europe.
The research was led by archaeologist Dr. George Nash and an international team, including academics from the universities of Southampton and Swansea.
The paint was applied with a finger in a deliberate, structured horizontal pattern.
The cave is located in limestone cliffs on the Gower peninsula and is under the custodianship of the National Trust of Wales.
The findings were published in the journal Quaternary.
Open questions
The article does not explain why the original 1912 interpretation was dismissed in 1928 or what specific evidence led to that reversal.
Misconceptions
The article directly addresses the long‑held misconception that the red streaks were naturally occurring oxide seepage. New archaeometric analysis shows they were intentionally created by humans using a pigment recipe containing calcite and clay.
Key figures
Dr. George Nash – archaeologist, associate professor at the Geosciences Centre of Coimbra University, honorary research fellow at the University of Liverpool.
William Sollas – professor who co‑discovered the art in 1912.
Henri Breuil – professor who co‑discovered the art in 1912.
National Trust of Wales – custodian of the cave.
Bradshaw Foundation – supported the research.
Universities of Southampton and Swansea – contributed academics.
Sources: The Guardian
