Observations on Upper Paleolithic art, old problems and new directions

Abstract

The following are the observations and reflections of an archeologist specialized in the prehistory of the later Upper Paleolithic —not those of an «expert » in rupestral or mobile art— although the author has excavated and analyzed collections of fauna and artifacts from sites which contain both forms of artistic representation. In visits to about 80 caves with Paleolithic art over the last 11 years, I have profited from the experience and wisdom of numerous experr cave guides —notably Sr. Felipe Puente of Santander— and academic specialists in the field. I hope my remarks will be taken as reasonable suggestions for further thought and research.