Cueva de Ekain, Paleolithic cave art site in Deba, Spain
Cueva de Ekain is a Paleolithic cave in Deba containing around 70 painted and engraved figures on its limestone walls. The artwork depicts horses, deer, bison, and mountain goats rendered with considerable skill and precision.
The site was discovered in 1969 by members of the Antxieta Cultural Association and immediately examined by archaeologists. The artworks date to between 15,000 and 12,000 years ago during the Magdalenian period.
The cave served as a sanctuary where Magdalenian artists developed their craft, depicting the animals and landscapes they knew. Visitors can observe how these early people transformed their daily world into visual form.
The original cave entrance is closed to visitors, but an exact replica museum called Ekainberri is located just 600 meters away. This replica museum allows you to experience the cave and its artwork under controlled conditions.
A panel featuring black horses in the central gallery displays exceptional artistic skill and fine linework. These horse depictions rank among the finest examples of Upper Paleolithic animal art from this period.
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