The Cove Cave is an archaeological site of great interest, offering a unique insight into the lives and habits of the ancient humans who frequented it over the millennia. With its history rooted in the distant Paleolithic, the cave allows us to learn more about both the Neanderthals and the Homo Sapiens who populated it. In this article, we will discover the most significant and fascinating finds that have emerged from this magical and mysterious place.
Evidence found in the Cove Cave indicates early frequentation by Neanderthal groups in the Middle Paleolithic. Stone tools and faunal remains found testify to the activities of these early inhabitants of the cave, who used it as a refuge and resting place during their migrations.
The most significant layers in Cove Cave date to a particular period of the Upper Paleolithic, called the Gravettian, which is between 27,000 and 24,000 years ago. These layers are characterized by a wide variety of stone tools, such as scrapers and back points, abundant faunal remains, sea shells used as ornaments, bone artifacts, and hearths. This phase of the cave’s frequentation is attributable to Homo Sapiens groups, who used it in a more systematic way than the Neanderthals.
From the most recent layers of the Cove Cave come interesting finds that testify to the continuity of the cave’s use over the millennia. From the Mesolithic, a rare example of a painted pebble was found; while from the Neolithic, a poignant evidence of funerary ritual emerges: an infant burial.
Finally, from the Copper Age, pretty ceramic vessels and bone hooks have been found, made particularly fascinating by the fish-like shape of the attachment to which the fishing line is attached, demonstrating the aesthetic refinement and technical skill of these ancient men.
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