Abstract
EXCAVATIONS IN THE PIN HOLE CAVE, CBESWELL.- In a paper read before the Royal Anthropological Institute on Nov. 20, Mr. A. Leslie Armstrong described the work proceeding in the large inner chamber of this cave. The total depth of the deposit is 15 feet and consists of an upper and a lower cave-earth. Evidences of casual human occupation occur throughout the upper cave-earth and the dominant culture has been proved to be Upper Aurignacian with considerable Proto-Solutrean elements and some traces of intrusive Magdalenian near the top. Upper Mousterian artefacts of quartzite and flint occur at the extreme base. A recent find of outstanding importance to English archaeology is that of an engraved drawing of a masked human figure, executed upon a rib, probably of a reindeer. In general character and technique the figure resembles those of Hornos and Altamira, which are of Aurignacian date. It was found in association with Proto-Solutrean implements and was encrusted with breccia. The present specimen is the first Palaeolithic drawing of a human figure to be found in Britain, and, being of a type which is rare even in the rich caves of France and Spain, it is of the greatest scientific interest. The engraving was found beneath stalagmite, 3 feet 6 inches below the floor of the cave, on an ancient occupation level, together with Proto-Solutrean and Aurignacian flint implements, and is therefore attributable to the dawn of cave art. The lower cave-earth contains two definite zones of occupation, the lowest at 12 feet. Implements of quartzite and tools of bone and mammoth ivory occur in both zones, the technique of which is Mousterian. Evidence of submergence of the lower cave-earth on two occasions and of climatic changes are well marked, and the occupation zones are separated by sterile layers of fallen roof slabs.
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Research Items. Nature 122, 901–903 (1928). https://doi.org/10.1038/122901a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/122901a0