Majority

Chauvet Cave was first discovered by Jean-Marie Chauvet in 1995. It is located in southeast France and has been dated between 30,000 and 33,000 years B.P. (Before the Present). These dates place the drawings in the Auriganacian, or the early Upper Paleolithic period. This era is defined by the functionally flexible stone tool industry, their manufacture of body ornaments and sophisticated cave art. By 35,000 years B.P. the Auriginancian era was established around Europe, including France, Britain and Belgium. From these areas teeth, mammoth ivory and shell have been recovered in the shape of beads and other jewelry. Also found were a variety of antler points and needles suggesting the production of clothing such as leggings and coats far more suitable for the climate than the Neanderthal’s use of unprocessed fur and animal hides. The production of these goods is considered to be the emergence of ‘modern’ behaviour. On the other hand, the absent of burials or man-made dwelling structures suggests that although there was most likely a human thinking revolution it was far from complete at this time.