La Marche (cave)

La Marche is a Paleolithic cave located near Lussac-les-Châteaux in the Vienne department of France. The cave is notable for its controversial collection of parietal art, specifically its engraved depictions of human faces and figures, as well as animals. The authenticity and interpretation of these engravings have been subject to considerable debate within the archaeological community.

Discovered in 1937 by Léon Péricard, the cave contains multiple layers of occupation dating back to the Magdalenian period (approximately 15,000-13,000 years ago). The engravings are found on portable stones, rather than directly on the cave walls. These stones were often found broken and scattered throughout the site.

The human figures are depicted with varying degrees of detail, some appearing highly stylized and others more realistic. Some interpretations suggest they represent portraits of individuals, while others propose they are caricatures or symbolic representations. The animal figures include horses, bison, and deer, typical fauna of the Ice Age.

The controversy surrounding La Marche stems from skepticism regarding the authenticity of the engravings, with some researchers suggesting they were created by Péricard himself or others after the initial discovery. However, proponents of their authenticity cite the presence of patination, the archaeological context of the finds, and comparisons to other known Paleolithic art as evidence of their genuine age.

Ongoing research and analysis continue to shed light on the La Marche engravings, but definitive conclusions remain elusive. The site remains a significant, albeit contentious, piece of the puzzle in understanding the art and culture of Paleolithic humans.