Publications
Images and Places in the Upper Palaeolithic of the Douro Basin, Iberian Peninsula: An Ontological Approach
Palaeolithic rock art in the Côa Valley and Siega Verde, Iberian Peninsula, suggests that Upper Palaeolithic societies likely operated under a totemic mode of identification, where animals held symbolic significance tied to social structure. This study breaks new ground by analyzing not just isolated images but their spatial context within landscapes ('taskscape'), revealing distinct patterns between densely concentrated Gravettian sites and more isolated Middle Solutrean ones. The research employs an ontological approach, contrasting local art traditions with broader Western European evidence to infer that similar totemic structures may have prevailed across the region. This shifts the focus from mere artistic expression to the social and symbolic appropriation of space, offering a novel framework for interpreting Palaeolithic rock art.
Proteção do patrimônio cultural rupestre do parque nacional da Serra da Capivara (Brasil) e do parque arqueológico do Vale do Côa (Portugal): uma abordagem jurídico-institucional.
Robust legal frameworks protect rock art heritage in Brazil's Serra da Capivara National Park and Portugal's Côa Valley Archaeological Park, yet their effectiveness varies due to differences in governance structures, inter-institutional collaboration, and normative implementation. A qualitative analysis of legislation, institutional frameworks, management plans, and official documents reveals that while both sites benefit from strong legal protections, the integration of public actors and operationalization of norms significantly influence conservation outcomes. Strengthening interinstitutional arrangements and harmonizing regulations emerge as critical factors for enhancing heritage protection.
Rethinking Governance in Transboundary Serial World Heritage Sites: Multi-Level Coordination, Institutional Diversity, and Cultural Diplomacy
A groundbreaking study reveals that the effectiveness of governance in transboundary serial World Heritage Sites, such as the Prehistoric Rock Art Sites in the Côa Valley and Siega Verde, hinges on the intensity and continuity of stakeholder interaction rather than institutional capacity. Through a qualitative comparative analysis of 15 sites' management plans, researchers identified four distinct governance models—ranging from multinational networks to community-led collaboration—and mapped their maturity levels using the Corporate Governance and Maturity Positioning Map. The findings underscore that trust, knowledge exchange, and diplomatic processes are pivotal in shaping governance dynamics, challenging traditional notions that prioritize legal or administrative structures.
Southern Iberian Rock Art: The Territory That Holds the Clues to Decipher the Whole Symbolic Path of Humanity
Southern Iberia's Côa Valley and Siega Verde hold the highest concentration of prehistoric rock art, offering unparalleled insights into humanity's symbolic evolution. This region, spanning from the Strait of Gibraltar to the interior, provides a continuous record of rock paintings and engravings from early human expressions to recent historical periods. The area is critical for understanding transitions between Neanderthals and Homo sapiens, as well as the shift from hunter-gatherer-fisher societies to tribal communities. Current research analyzes these sites' significance while addressing threats and proposing conservation solutions, positioning Southern Iberia as a key territory for deciphering humanity's symbolic path.
El Sitio de Fragas do Mourão/As Portas (Carrazedo de Montenegro, Portugal) en el Contexto del Arte Esquemático del Noroeste Peninsular
A significant discovery of prehistoric rock art, belonging to the Schematic Art tradition, has been made at Fragas do Mourão/As Portas in Carrazedo de Montenegro, Portugal. This site, one of the most westerly identified in the Iberian Peninsula, features a unique combination of typical Schematic Art iconography and unusual graphic compositions, along with a notable concentration of cup-marks (cazoletas) on a large quartzite cliff. The findings expand the known distribution of this artistic tradition, which was previously thought to be limited to the northeastern region of Portugal and southeastern Galicia. The site's striking visual and sensory impact, enhanced by water presence and distinctive geomorphological features, underscores its importance in the broader context of prehistoric art in the northwest Iberian Peninsula.
Can the study of Middle Palaeolithic Lithic assemblages of Cardina- Salto do Boi site (Côa Valley) help to understand site formation processes?
A shift in the preferred type of quartz used by Neanderthals between 51-39 ka and 80-51 ka has been identified at the Cardina-Salto do Boi site in Portugal, offering new insights into Middle Palaeolithic dwelling dynamics. This discovery was made through a detailed analysis of lithic assemblages from two test areas, N/O-15/17 and Z/A’-6/8, which were compared with findings from a previously studied area, H’/I’-17/19. The study involved raw material and technological analysis, revealing five distinct groups that suggest the most recent phase of Neanderthal occupation may be present at the base of the stratigraphic sequences in the newly analyzed areas.
Cave Art
Cave Art, a comprehensive guide to Europe's decorated Ice Age caves, offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience humanity's artistic achievements from 30,000 to 10,000 years ago. This revised third edition serves as the first and only handbook of its kind, detailing over 50 accessible caves across the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Portugal, and Italy, along with relevant museums and centers. It provides a unique perspective by allowing visitors to stand in the original setting where prehistoric artists created their masterpieces, combining scientific insight with practical guidance for speleologists, holidaymakers, and enthusiasts alike.
El fin del estilo paleolítico: un caso de estudio en el Noroeste peninsular
Recent discoveries have challenged the perception of the Northwest Iberian Peninsula as a marginal region for Paleolithic art, revealing significant graphic manifestations from the terminal phase of the Paleolítico, spanning the Allerød and Preboreal periods. A study focusing on zoomorphic figures from Cova Eirós and the Côa Valley identifies shared graphical conventions and techniques, providing new insights into this transitional artistic episode. The analysis of these representations highlights both parallels and unique features, suggesting interconnectedness between territories during the late Paleolithic period.
Humans Making History through Continuities and Discontinuities in Art
Rock art in the Côa Valley and Siega Verde UNESCO World Heritage Sites played a pivotal role in shaping human history through its deep integration with societal narratives, cognitive evolution, and ritual practices. The study reveals that early representational art was not just visual but also deeply tied to oral storytelling, influencing foraging behaviors, social structures, and cognitive development. Archaeologists reconstruct this archaeohistory by analyzing the material remnants of rock art, interpreting its spatial and temporal distribution, and considering its potential role in ritual engagement. This approach highlights how persistent rock art marks, though detached from their original creators and viewers, continue to narrate human history through interpretation.
In situ characterization of prehistoric rock paintings: the Côa Valley (Portugal)
A study of prehistoric rock paintings in the Côa Valley, Portugal, reveals that hematite is the predominant pigment used in these ancient artworks. The research utilized in situ color spectrophotometry and portable Raman spectroscopy to analyze red motifs across four sites within the archaeological complex. Findings indicate that while hematite dominates the pigments, goethite, quartz, and feldspars are also present, suggesting potential use of ochre or natural elements from the backdrop stones. This non-invasive methodology provides valuable insights into the composition and preservation of prehistoric rock art, contributing to a deeper understanding of human creativity and material culture during ancient times.
Making a Difference: Palaeolithic Iconography as a Trait of Identity in the Iberian Peninsula
Palaeolithic rock art in the Côa Valley and Siega Verde reveals distinct iconographic preferences that may reflect cultural identity. Analysis of 3,341 graphic units using multivariate statistics shows horse, ibex, and deer as common motifs across the Iberian Peninsula, while bison, hind, and aurochs appear in varying proportions, suggesting regional differences. These patterns hint at possible palaeoecological or cultural influences on artistic expression, offering new insights into prehistoric identity traits.
Emotions at the surface
A groundbreaking discovery in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Prehistoric Rock Art Sites in the Côa Valley and Siega Verde reveals that emotional expressions in Paleolithic art played a significant symbolic role, challenging traditional paradigms. The study identifies explicit emotional aspects in rock art figures from the Magdalenian period at Ribeira de Piscos, the largest and most prominent site in the region. This 20,000-year continuous Paleolithic diachrony, spanning from the Gravettian to the Late Glacial, updates the understanding of European Paleolithic art by shifting focus from cave art to open-air rock art. The research suggests that these emotional depictions were crucial in establishing and evolving the site's significance during the Magdalenian period.
Living in the Mountains. Late Mesolithic/Early Neolithic Settlement in Northwest Portugal: Rock Shelter 1 of Vale de Cerdeira (Vieira do Minho)
A significant archaeological discovery in the Côa Valley, Portugal, reveals Late Mesolithic to Early Neolithic settlement patterns. Rock Shelter 1 of Vale de Cerdeira, a granite rock shelter in Cabreira mountain, provided evidence of human occupation through two combustion structures and an extensive stone tool assemblage (30,000 pieces). Radiocarbon dating confirmed the site's timeline, while detailed analysis of lithic tools and raw materials offered insights into prehistoric technological systems. The study, part of an ongoing PhD project, employs techno-typological analysis to reconstruct lithic production systems and procurement strategies, contributing to understanding hunter-gatherer adaptations in mountainous regions.
Emotions at the Surface: Ribeira de Piscos, and the Role of Emotionality in its Establishment as the Major Magdalenian Site within the Openair Côa Region Rock Art Complex (Portugal)
A groundbreaking analysis of the Ribeira de Piscos site in Portugal's Côa Valley reveals that emotional expressions in its Magdalenian-era rock art were not merely decorative but symbolically pivotal in establishing and sustaining this as the dominant Upper Palaeolithic site within the region. This discovery challenges conventional paradigms by highlighting the significance of emotionality—a rare trait in Palaeolithic art—in defining sacred or socially important spaces. The study examines specific figures with explicit emotional traits, suggesting they played a critical role in the site's evolution over 20,000 years, from the Gravettian to the Late Glacial period. This research updates our understanding of European Palaeolithic art, shifting focus from cave-centric models to open-air complexes and emphasizing the cultural and symbolic depth of these ancient expressions.
Siega Verde and the open-air rock art of the northern Iberian Peninsula (Spain)
Siega Verde, an open-air rock art site in northern Iberian Peninsula, challenges traditional interpretations of Palaeolithic art by demonstrating that such art does not necessarily require cave settings. Using stylistic criteria to date the art, researchers found that Siega Verde's Upper Palaeolithic art ensemble, similar in style and age to cave art, represents a communicative code independent of dark or mysterious environments. This approach was later validated by archaeological excavations at Fariseu in Portugal, supporting Leroi-Gourhan’s stylistic dating method. The study also highlights intermediate forms of open-air rock art found in cave entrances and rock-shelters across the Iberian Peninsula, including regions previously thought to lack Palaeolithic art evidence, such as the southern Mediterranean coast and Andalusia.
The end of the Ice Age in southern Europe: Iberian images in the Palaeolithic to Post-Palaeolithic transition
A significant continuity of Palaeolithic art into the early Holocene is revealed through updated documentation and dating of open-air rock art in southern Europe, particularly in the Côa Valley and Siega Verde. This study identifies a distinct 'Style V' that persists from the Upper Palaeolithic to Neolithic periods, demonstrating the enduring influence of Palaeolithic artistic traditions on subsequent prehistoric art forms. The research employs direct dating techniques and territorial analysis to contextualize these graphic representations, highlighting their role as social communication tools. Findings underscore the materiality and global significance of these symbols, suggesting that they represent persistent cultural traits across human groups. This work challenges traditional narratives by emphasizing the resilience of Palaeolithic artistic expressions in post-glacial Europe.
Analysis of portable rock art from Foz do Medal (Northwest Iberia): Magdalenian images of horses and aurochs
A new approach to analyzing Palaeolithic portable rock art reveals insights into the social significance and potential manipulations of Magdalenian artefacts. Researchers examined 25 engraved plaques from Foz do Medal, Northwest Iberia, depicting horses and aurochs, using a combination of archaeological data collection, statistical analysis, and laboratory techniques. The study proposes a preliminary model to guide future analysis of over 1500 fragments, focusing on motif details, surface treatment, pigment ornamentation, and raw material origins. This method offers a more comprehensive understanding of portable rock art beyond formal and stylistic criteria, shedding light on the cultural and social importance of these artefacts during the Magdalenian period.
Fluvial dynamics and palaeolithic settlement: new data from the Côa Valley (Portugal)
New research reveals that the geomorphological context of the Côa Valley's Palaeolithic rock art provides critical insights into its stratigraphic relationship with Quaternary deposits, allowing for the reconstruction of past valley topography and the identification of potentially buried rock art panels. By analyzing litho-stratigraphic units, discontinuities, and their architecture within the valley's evolutionary framework, scientists have established a more precise chronology for the rock art and its environmental context. This approach not only sheds light on the spatial distribution of rock art panels but also helps pinpoint areas where such panels might be buried, offering a deeper understanding of Palaeolithic settlement patterns in the region.
Imagens fantasmagóricas, silhuetas elusivas: as figuras humanas na arte do Paleolítico Superior da região do Côa
Recent surveys and registrations of decorated rocks in the Côa Valley have significantly expanded the known number of Paleolithic anthropomorphs, with nearly 50 figures now identified. This marks a substantial increase from previous records restricted to two sites, challenging earlier assumptions about the rarity of human figure representations in European Paleolithic art. The study categorizes these figures chronologically and typologically, providing insights into their potential cultural continuity beyond the Upper Paleolithic phase. Methodologically, the research relies on systematic survey, review, and registration efforts, which have also introduced uncertainties regarding the classification of some figures.
Lugar de paso, memorias antiguas. El yacimiento del Arroyo de las Almas (La Fregeneda, Salamanca) y su arte rupestre Paleolítico al aire libre = Place of Passage, Ancient Memories. The Site of Arroyo de las Almas (La Fregeneda, Salamanca) and its Open-Air Palaeolithic Rock Art
A comprehensive analysis of the open-air rock art site Arroyo de las Almas, located near the confluence of the Águeda and Douro rivers, reveals a rich artistic tradition spanning from the Upper Paleolithic to contemporary times. The study documents 21 engraved figures across five rocks, including 13 zoomorphic depictions, seven signs, and one indeterminable motif, alongside non-figurative lines. Chronocultural analysis places these works within the Magdalenian period, integrating them into a broader network of open-air Paleolithic art sites in the Douro basin. The site's strategic location suggests it served as a significant passage point, likely used by ancient communities around the Águeda river mouth. This research enhances our understanding of the functional and cultural significance of these prehistoric sites.
Os valores do Património: uma investigação sobre os Sítios Pré-históricos de Arte Rupestre do Vale do Rio Côa e de Siega Verde
A PhD research project investigates the heritage values of UNESCO-listed prehistoric rock art sites, focusing on the Côa Valley and Siega Verde. The study, conducted under the supervision of Professor Margarita Díaz-Andreu at the University of Barcelona, explores how these sites contribute to global cultural heritage understanding. Since 2007 (Côa Valley) and 2010 (Siega Verde), these rock art manifestations have been recognized as integral parts of a shared World Heritage area. The research aligns with UNESCO conventions and recommendations for preserving such sites, examining both general and specific objectives related to their significance. The project aims to deepen the analysis of these artistic expressions while considering their broader implications for heritage conservation.
The visual psychology of European Upper Palaeolithic figurative art: using Bubbles to understand outline depictions
A groundbreaking study reveals that the visual system of Homo sapiens influenced the depiction of prey animals in Upper Palaeolithic art, particularly in Portugal's Côa Valley. Researchers used a visual psychological experimental programme called Bubbles to analyze how modern participants identified key anatomical features in horses and bison. They found a striking correspondence between these features and those most emphasized in ancient rock art, suggesting that visual salience drove artistic representation during this period.
Trabalhos de documentação de arte paleolítica realizados no âmbito do projeto PalæoCôa
Research on the prehistoric rock art of the Côa Valley, conducted as part of the PalæoCôa project, has significantly advanced the understanding of the Palaeolithic graphic cycle, particularly during the Magdalenian phases and adjacent periods. By integrating archaeological and geological contexts, the study provides a comprehensive framework for interpreting these ancient artworks. This approach has enabled researchers to better define the chronological sequence and cultural significance of the rock art, contributing valuable insights into the region's prehistoric human activity.
El arte Paleolítico de Siega Verde (Serranillo, Salamanca, España): Una sintética visión en el trigésimo aniversario de su descubrimiento
In 2018, the thirtieth anniversary of the discovery of Paleolithic rock art at Siega Verde (Serranillo, Salamanca, Spain) marked a pivotal moment in understanding Upper Paleolithic art and human settlement during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). The site, recognized for its open-air equid figures, challenged prevailing views on Iberian Meseta's prehistoric populations. Its inclusion in UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2010 underscores its global significance. This synthetic study synthesizes key findings from three decades of research, highlighting the site's unique contributions to Paleolithic art studies and its role as a reference for interpreting prehistoric societies.
Natural Processes in the Degradation of Open-Air Rock-Art Sites: An urgency intervention scale to inform conservation: The case of the Côa Valley world heritage site, Portugal
Open-air rock-art sites, though widespread and culturally significant, face severe degradation due to natural processes. A study focusing on the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Côa Valley in Portugal introduces an urgency intervention scale to assess and prioritize conservation efforts. By analyzing case studies from Norway, Brazil, Southern USA, and South Korea, researchers identify key factors contributing to rock-art decay and propose methods for evaluating current conditions. This approach aims to inform targeted conservation strategies, ensuring the preservation of these vulnerable heritage sites.
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