Cathole

Cathole Cave Cervid, The Gower Peninsular, South Wales

This collection by Carol James (Silverfish Designs) is based on unique and ancient rock art found in the Gower Penisular. 

In Carol's own words: "Found in 2010 this 'reindeer' tucked away in a niche at the back of Cathole Cave on the Gower Peninsular has been dated to at least 14600 BP making it the earliest rock art found in North Western Europe. It has been possible to date the rock art due to the presence of a stal flow which covers the muzzle of the deer and from which samples have been taken and subjected to Ura-nium Series Dating. 

The carving could potentially date back to 28000 years ago and the last Glacial Ice Age when an ice-free corridor would have existed across the Gower at the edge of the Ice Sheet. Early excavations tells us that Cathole Cave was indeed occupied at this time.

The image of the deer measures approximately 15cm x 11cm and was probably incised using a flint tool. Unfortunately the discovery of this amazing piece of our past was leaked to the press before protection had been put in place and someone found and partially destroyed the carving. Although it is small compensation for such behavior we had at least finished the work we were doing on it resulting in a comprehensive photographic, tracing and video survey to go alongside the dating evidence."

 

Cathole