Researchers have successfully radiocarbon dated Paleolithic rock art in France’s Font-de-Gaume Cave for the first time. Previously, it was believed that the art, created with iron and manganese oxides, couldn't be dated using radiocarbon methods. However, analysis using Raman microspectrometry and hyperspectral imaging revealed traces of charcoal within the black lines of a bison and a possible face/mask image. Dating the charcoal yielded ages between 8,590 and 15,981 years ago, suggesting the face image may have been retouched over time. This breakthrough opens new avenues for understanding Paleolithic art and the people who created it.
