Cave art resilience: An interdisciplinary proposal for monitoring the state of conservation in Santimamiñe, Lumentxa, and Altxerri heritage sites (northern Iberian peninsula)

Abstract

The decorated caves contain the earliest artistic expressions of humankind and represent a major cultural heritage. Their significance has been recognized by UNESCO, which has declared them a World Heritage Site. However, they are extremely fragile environments, exposed to various factors of deterioration that threaten their conservation. To implement appropriate protective measures, it is essential to understand the dynamics of these underground systems by analyzing both the processes that shaped the current landscape and those actively altering them today. This task is complex, as each cave is subject to a unique combination of environmental parameters and intrinsic processes, which, in turn, overlap with broader conditions and global changes that tend to affect caves within the same region in similar ways.

In this research, three caves were selected for study (Santimamiñe, Altxerri, and Lumentxa), where environmental conditions were monitored, active processes were described, and past events were identified. Based on these data, macro-level (entire cave) and micro-level (specific decorated panels) cartographies were developed, identifying areas that require closer monitoring. This assessment was complemented by a digital colorimetric analysis using microphotographs. The results were compared with previously identified active processes to better understand the dynamics of these caves, highlight the most vulnerable areas, and propose solutions to existing conservation issues. Finally, these data were cross-referenced with previous records of the caves' environmental parameters to identify possible correlations.

In summary, an analysis of past and present dynamics was conducted in three caves with Palaeolithic art in the Basque Country to anticipate potential future scenarios and design specific protocols to ensure optimal preservation. As a result, new interdisciplinary programs have been developed, which can be extended to other decorated caves and implemented by the relevant authorities.