Scientific virtual reality as a research tool in prehistoric archaeology: the case of Atxurra Cave (northern Spain)

Antonio Torres; Mª Ángeles Medina-Alcaide; Iñaki Intxaurbe; Olivia Rivero; Joseba Rios-Garaizar; Martin Arriolabengoa; Juan Francisco Ruiz-López; Diego Garate

doi:10.4995/var.2024.20976

Authors

Antonio Torres Universidad de Cantabria https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1300-5439
Mª Ángeles Medina-Alcaide Université de Bordeaux https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7983-5988
Iñaki Intxaurbe University of the Basque Country https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3643-3177
Olivia Rivero Universidad de Salamanca
Joseba Rios-Garaizar Bizkaiko Arkeologi Museoa
Martin Arriolabengoa University of the Basque Country https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0467-0306
Juan Francisco Ruiz-López University of Castilla-La Mancha https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7309-0102
Diego Garate Universidad de Cantabria https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6685-9588

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4995/var.2024.20976

Keywords:

virtual reality (VR), virtual archaeology, Upper Palaeolithic, rock art, Palaeolithic lighting

Abstract

Highlights:

This study proposes the practical utility of an immersive Virtual Reality (VR) experience for the dissemination and study of Palaeolithic Rock Art.
Thanks to a series of multidisciplinary studies, a virtual reconstruction of the archaeological context of an area with rock art has been achieved.
The Palaeolithic lighting systems documented in Atxurra cave have been virtually recreated, allowing real-time interaction through VR.

Abstract:

The Upper Palaeolithic period (ca. 45000 - 12000 BP) was the time when figurative art chiefly produced by Homo sapiens emerged and developed. The Upper Palaeolithic rock art entails a multisensory experience that goes beyond depicted images observation: it includes aspects related to the cognitive development of human mind, the spatial dimensions, the type of rock surface, artificial lighting, and challenges of navigating the underground environment. Traditionally, the study of Palaeolithic art in caves has focused on paintings and illustrated subjects' graphic analysis. However, a recent shift in methodological focus has favoured a comprehensive and interdisciplinary study of rock art. This new perspective has allowed the investigation of surrounding elements that significantly influence the art and its interpretation. Combining this with new digital technologies, it is now possible to reconstruct Palaeolithic artistic creation and contemplation environments with precision, offering researchers an immersive and interactive experience through virtual reality (VR). The two documented Palaeolithic lighting systems in the sector J “Ledge of the Horses” have been virtually recreated. The lighting simulation parameters are based on those obtained from an anthracological study of the charcoal remains found in the cave and the subsequent experimental program. The study included analysing both three-dimensional (3D) models of the cave, obtained through photogrammetry and laser scanning, and the lighting systems in the graphics engine ©Unreal Engine 5; this allowed the researchers to create an interactive VR environment that faithfully reflects the current state of scientific knowledge about the cavity. Using VR is a substantial methodological advancement, regarding both knowledge transmission and the creation of more robust and coherent archaeological interpretations through sensory perception and historical empathy. This approach has been applied to the main decorated sector of the Atxurra Cave (Basque Country, Spain), a space containing dozens of engraved and painted representations, and surface archaeological material, subjected to a comprehensive multidisciplinary study.

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Author Biographies

Antonio Torres, Universidad de Cantabria

Instituto Internacional Investigaciones Prehistóricas de Cantabria

Mª Ángeles Medina-Alcaide, Université de Bordeaux

UMR CNRS 5199 PACEA

Iñaki Intxaurbe, University of the Basque Country

Departamento de Geología

Olivia Rivero, Universidad de Salamanca

Departamento de Prehistoria, Historia Antigua y Arqueología

Joseba Rios-Garaizar, Bizkaiko Arkeologi Museoa

Archaeologist (Archaeology)

Martin Arriolabengoa, University of the Basque Country

Departamento de Geología

Juan Francisco Ruiz-López, University of Castilla-La Mancha

Departamento de Historia - Área de Prehistoria, Facultad de Ciencias de la Educación y Humanidades

Diego Garate, Universidad de Cantabria

Instituto Internacional Investigaciones Prehistóricas de Cantabria

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