Jan Simek
Wednesday, October 15, 2008 - 11:30-12:00
Over the past three decades, nearly 70 cave sites in the Southeast have been identified that contain Prehistoric Cave Art. These sites date as early as 6000 years ago, but they saw their greatest geographic extent late in prehistory, during the 14th century, when they were made from West Virginia to Florida. Prehistoric cave art was one part of an elaborate ritual use of caves and surrounding landforms during the prehistoric period, but it was clearly a most significant and ceremonial one. Variation in the art itself, in its contexts, in its associations and, and in its interpretation will be discussed. Measures taken to conserve and protect this important heritage resource will also be presented.
Keywords: PREHISTORIC ART, CAVES, ARCHAEOLOGY