LASCAUX CAVE Meaning and
Definition
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Lascaux Cave refers to a famous prehistoric cave complex located in southwestern France. It is renowned for its remarkable collection of Paleolithic cave paintings, dating back approximately 17,000 years. The cave was accidentally discovered by four teenagers in 1940 and subsequently became one of the most important archaeological sites in the world.
The Lascaux Cave features an extensive array of detailed paintings depicting various animals, such as bison, horses, deer, mammoths, and an assortment of abstract symbols. These awe-inspiring artworks provide invaluable insights into the artistic and cultural practices of the Upper Paleolithic period.
The cave itself consists of various interconnected galleries and chambers, covering an area of around 600 square meters. The paintings were created using natural mineral pigments and were delicately executed with remarkable precision and attention to detail. Due to their age, the paintings have naturally decayed over time, and the original cave is currently closed to the public in order to preserve and protect its fragile environment.
In order to ensure the accessibility of the paintings for visitors and researchers, a replica of the Lascaux Cave, known as "Lascaux II," was created nearby and opened to the public in 1983. This remarkable replica meticulously replicates the original cave complex, allowing visitors to experience the awe-inspiring beauty and historical importance of the cave paintings firsthand.
Overall, Lascaux Cave stands as a testament to the artistic capabilities and cultural sophistication of our distant ancestors, providing a glimpse into the ancient world and serving as a vital link between our modern civilization and the past.
Etymology of LASCAUX CAVE
The word "Lascaux" is derived from the name of the village located in southwestern France, where the famous Lascaux Cave is situated. The etymology of "Lascaux" is believed to have originated from the Occitan language, which is a Romance language spoken in parts of France, Italy, and Spain. In Occitan, "Lascaux" can be deconstructed into two components: "las" meaning "the" and "caux" referring to a kind of limestone cliff or rocky outcrop. Hence, "Lascaux" roughly translates to "the rocky outcrop" or "the place of the cliff". This name is fitting as the cave was found beneath a limestone hill.
