Cavecuts
Cavecuts are a type of ancient rock art found in various cave systems around the world. These markings are not painted or engraved but are created by scratching, incising, or abrading the rock surface. The tools used were likely sharp stones or bone fragments. The exact purpose of cavecuts is not fully understood, but theories suggest they may have served as territorial markers, navigational aids, or symbolic representations. The style and complexity of cavecuts vary significantly between different archaeological sites and time periods. Dating these markings can be challenging as they are not typically associated with organic materials that can be carbon-dated. However, their context within stratified cave deposits can provide relative age estimations. Studies of cavecuts often involve detailed photographic analysis and microscopic examination to understand the techniques used and the potential meaning behind the patterns. They offer valuable insights into the cognitive abilities and artistic expressions of prehistoric human populations.