Back to the past: Symbolism and archaeology in Altxerri B (Gipuzkoa, Northern Spain)

In a previous publication on Altxerri B Cave, we explained a chronological hypothesis which proposed that the graphic activity in the site dates to an early Aurignacian phase. This paper presents a complete study of the parietal ensemble, including descriptions of the graphic motifs and other anthropic evidence that has been documented. The number of figures identified in the only panel documented in previous studies has been increased considerably, while several previously unpublished panels in other parts of the cave are described. The iconographic and stylistic characteristics of the rock art, far from contradicting our first conclusions about the chronology, support these and link the art in Altxerri B with other European Early Upper Palaeolithic graphic ensembles.