Archaeologists in Portugal have discovered hundreds of mineral pigment fragments dating back more than 27,000 years, raising the possibility that some of the Côa Valley’s famous prehistoric rock engravings were once painted.
The fragments, found at the Penascosa archaeological site, include minerals that produce red, yellow, black, and brown colors. Researchers say the discovery could offer new insight into prehistoric artistic practices. It also provides evidence that humans occupied the area earlier than previously believed.
Ancient pigments discovered at Penascosa
Archaeologist Thierry Aubry, scientific coordinator of the Côa Parque Foundation, leads the research at Penascosa. His team uncovered the pigments during excavations near Rock 3, covering approximately 86 square feet (8 square meters). Students from the University of Lisbon also participated.
In the deepest excavated layer, archaeologists found evidence of human activity dating back more than 27,000 years. Researchers believe the remains belong to the final Gravettian period of the Upper Paleolithic. Aubry explained that the findings push back the earliest known human presence at Penascosa. Previous evidence dated activity at the site to around 26,000 years ago.
The team also discovered evidence of stone-tool production, hunting, animal-hide processing and fires. These findings suggest that prehistoric communities used the area for several everyday activities.
Were the prehistoric rock engravings once painted?
The Côa Valley is famous for thousands of prehistoric engravings depicting horses, wild cattle and other animals. Similar ancient animal engravings have been documented in Greece. Ancient artists created these figures by carving or striking rock surfaces. However, Aubry believes some images may originally have included painted details.
He explained that prehistoric artists sometimes combined painting and engraving. Over thousands of years, rain, changing temperatures, and erosion could have erased the colors while leaving carved figures visible.
The pigments may also have served other purposes. Prehistoric communities could have used them to prepare adhesives, process animal hides, or color clothing and other materials. Research on a Bronze Age settlement in Greece has also linked mineral pigments to leatherworking. Researchers have not established whether the newly discovered pigments were applied to rock surfaces or other objects.
Further research could reveal how ancient pigments were used
Scientists now plan to examine the fragments for traces that could reveal whether they came into contact with rocks, animal skins, or other materials. Similar scientific methods have helped researchers investigate ancient cave paintings in France. The pigments may have originated from natural deposits within about 37 miles (60 kilometers) of Penascosa, although their exact sources remain unknown.
Archaeologists also plan to return to the site in spring for further excavations. The Côa Valley, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998, contains more than 15,650 recorded prehistoric figures and symbols. Further research could help determine whether its surviving engravings once formed part of a broader tradition of prehistoric painting.
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