Rock Art Research

An empirical methodology is used to examine finger flutings in Chamber A1, Rouffignac Cave, France, asking what they might reasonably tell about the people who made them. An initial result of this approach is that many of the flutings were probably made by young children aged 2–5 possibly held aloft to touch the ceiling. In this scenario, those holding the children were at times not only walking, but also moving rotationally from their hips, perhaps in whole body movement. The question of the intentions behind the fluting activity is addressed, previously published reasons, characterisations and meanings shown to be inaccurate or inadequate; the most promising intention, though not confirmed, is that the flutings were made possibly mainly for the tactile and aesthetic sensation and experience of fluting. Applying similar methodologies to other flutings found in Rouffignac Cave and elsewhere may further elucidate the behaviours behind their manufacture.