Grotte du Pape, Paleolithic archaeological site in Brassempouy, France.
Grotte du Pape is an archaeological site consisting of four cave entrances carved into Eocene limestone, situated along a stream valley in southwestern France. The caves contain remains of tools, carved figurines, and human artifacts from the Upper Paleolithic period spanning thousands of years of occupation.
Systematic excavations between 1880 and 1897 revealed significant finds from the Upper Paleolithic, establishing the site's importance for understanding early human occupation. This region was inhabited repeatedly over many millennia, creating layers of evidence from different periods.
The site holds the largest collection of female ivory figurines in France, including the famous Lady with the Hood carved by early inhabitants. These small carved objects reveal how artistic expression was part of daily life tens of thousands of years ago.
Access to the site requires joining a guided tour led by PréhistoSite mediators, ensuring visitors understand the archaeological context properly. A walking trail of about 3.5 kilometers connects the cave entrances to the main facility, allowing visitors to see the landscape where early people lived.
Evidence of burial practices from the Aurignacian culture has been found at the caves, suggesting that ritual treatment of the dead was important to early people. These discoveries offer rare glimpses into spiritual or social beliefs that guided behavior thousands of years ago.
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