A C T A A RAnCexceptional

H A E O archaeological
L O G I C A discovery...
C A R P A T H I C 5
A
VOL. XLVI, 2011 PL ISSN 0001-5229

A RTICLES

Clin Ghemi, Jean Clottes, Bernard Gly,

Francoise Prudhomme

An exceptional archaeological discovery

the Art Gallery in Coliboaia Cave,
Apuseni Mountains, Romania

Abstract

C. Ghemi, J. Clottes, B. Gly, F. Prudhomme 2011. An exceptional archaeological discovery the

Art Galery in Coliboaia Cave, Apuseni Mountains, Romania, AAC 46: ................
On 20 September 2009 a team of speleologists discovered an Art Gallery in the Coliboaia Cave
in Romania with 13 depictions of several rhinoceros and bears, a possible horse or a felid, bison
and some unidentified figures. Chronologically the drawings belong in the Gravettian (29.000
23.000 BP) or the Aurignacian (35.00029.000 BP) in the middle or early Upper Palaeolithic.
Research is in now progress.

K e y w o r d s: Romania; Upper Palaeolithic; rock art; caves archaeology

Received: 12.07.2011; Revised: 15.09.2011; Accepted: 23.11.2011

INTRODUCTION

Scientific significance of prehistoric cave archaeology in Transylvania cannot

be understood properly without taking into account the contribution made to
this subject by scholars such as M. Roska, H. Breuil, C.S. Nicolaescu-Plopor,
B. Jungbert, L. Rou, I. Viehmann, V. Boronean, D. Ignat, S. Dumitracu,
S.A. Luca, Al. Punescu and M. Crciumaru. However, these contributions
would not have been the same without some significant input from amateur
speleologists (during the romantic age of Transylvanian archaeology) and later,
from amateur speleological clubs unified after 1990 as the Romanian Federa-
tion of Speleology (RFS).
6 Clin Ghemi ET AL.

Even if quite weak during the communist times the Romanian speleologi-
cal movement was not entirely without some noticeable achievements. First of
all we have in mind some exceptional archaeological discoveries made by spe-
leologists, both amateur and professional.
In this short historical review worth mentioning are archaeological discov-
eries made in the caves of Vrtop (V i e h m a n n, L a u r i t z e n, O n a c 1996),
Ciur-Izbuc1, Igria (V a s i l i e v 2004)2, Deven3, Izbucu Topliei (M o l n a r,
G h e m i 2007 [with a comprehensive older bibliography]), Roia-Petera Va-
cii (R o m a n 1981, 165), uncuiu Unguru Mare (G h e m i 2003), Miid (I g-
n a t, G h e m i 2001; G h e m i 2002)4, Moanei (G h e m i , S a v a 2004),
Izbndi (E m o d i 1988), Remetea-Petera Meziad (unpublished research of
C. Ghemi and E. Posmoanu), etc.
These fortunate discoveries, some unique in the archaeological landscape
of Central European prehistory and protohistory, furnished valuable informa-
tion on the cultural evolution in some areas of the Apuseni Mountains.
M. R o s k a (1942) made the first5 review of archaeological discoveries in
caves and recorded in his Repertorium 154 caves with archaeological remains.
Obviously, over subsequent decades the number of caves with archaeological
material increased substantially.
The importance of Roskas work is that he listed in a systematic manner
all archaeological discoveries made in Transylvania in the region between the
Carpathian mountain ranges. At the same time, his work reflects not only the
frequency of archaeological discoveries, but also the level of archaeological re-
search in the caves of Transylvania in his day.
The years which came after World War II are marked by intensive field-
work and a program of reassessment of Roskas findings. To identify the posi-
tion of this series of Palaeolithic finds new excavations were made in caves
such as Ohaba Ponor (N i c o l a e s c u - P l o p o r 1957a) and other sites with
Palaeolithic relics6, taking an approach modern for their period.
An important step forward for the research of the Palaeolithic in Transyl-
vania is the publication in 19781982 of a series of articles by B. J u n g b e r t

1
I. V i e h m a n n, Gh. R a c o v i , C. R i s c u i a (1970) discuss at length the discovery of
footprints in the Ciur-Izbuc cave, of special importance is anthropological analysis made by Dr.
C. Riscuia which showed that the footprints were made by a group of three individuals.
2
The author reviews the archaeological literature on the Igria culture but neglects the more
recent research.
3
N. V l a s s a (1976) presents the research in the Deven I and Deven II caves which are
sites important for the understanding of the neolithisation processes in the Criul Repede gorge.
4
In the area of the portal of the Miidului cave investigation was made of a deposit of ritual-
funerary character dated to the Dacian epoch, a unique discovery among the Dacian discoveries
from caves, remarkable especially by the richness of the inventory.
5
An important synthesis appeared in 1863, written by A. Schmidl, father of explorative
speleology (S c h m i d l 1863). His book offers a great volume of historical, ethnographical and
statistical data, but is lacking in archaeological observations.
6
C. S. N i c o l a e s c u - P l o p o r (1957b) explicitly proposes to confirm the localities men-
tioned by Roska.
 An exceptional archaeological discovery... 7

(1978; 1979; 1982). He critically reassessed the locations recorded by Roska

and offered important corrections and new field information regarding the Pa-
laeolithic discoveries made in Transylvania.
The accidental discovery of paintings in the Cuciulat Cave7 reopened the
issue of Palaeolithic cave archaeology in Transylvania. A systemic approach at
a regional or a local level was put in practice much later by Al. Punescu in
his synthesis of Palaeolithic and Mesolithic discoveries from Transylvania
(P u n e s c u 2001)8.
Due to a lack of specialists, until recently Palaeolithic archaeology in Tran-
sylvania was in a state of stagnation when a new generation of Palaeolithic
archaeologists dealt only occasionally with issues regarding the Palaeolithic of
Transylvania9.
The Coliboaia Cave is mentioned in speleological literature for the first
time before 190010 but an explorative approach was put into practice only in
1981, when G. Halasi investigated the active gallery reaching the fourth siphon.
However, the entrance in the Art Gallery was not noticed at that time.
In 1997, speleologists from the RFS resumed exploration of the cave (B e-
s e s e k et all. 2008). Even so, the Art Gallery remained unknown until Septem-
ber 200911 when the paintings were discovered. The speleological team, who were
specialized mainly in speleological exploration, contacted the leaders of the RFS
who decided to protect the cave (B e s e s e k, R a d u, L a s c u, G e l y 2010).

COLIBOAIA CAVE

Coliboaia Cave is situated on the western slope of the Sighitel valley, at an

altitude of 560 m, a part of a larger karstic system known as Dealul Secturii-
Coliboaia (Fig. 12). Its portal, oriented east-west, is of considerable dimen-
sions, and the entrance to the cave is of medium size. Following a slope for
1.502 metres one arrives in a great chamber with collapsed parts. To reach
the active gallery of the cave one has to pass through a natural lake, which
is the result of the collapse of the ceiling of the great chamber (cf. Fig. 3).

7
M. C r c i u m a r u (1987, 79 sqq; for a recent succinct review of the discovery, see Mrgrit
[2003]).
8
We deliberately omitted the discoveries from the Petera cu Oase in Banat as well as other
discoveries from other epochs, as these are the subject of a separate study.
9
They were the followers of Prof. M. Crciumaru at the University of Trgovite and tended
to focus on Palaeolithic research in the area outside the Carpathians. In a recent article (C r-
c i um a r u, D o b r e s c u 2010) are discussed field observations from 1988 which conclude that
there are caves in the Sighitel valley suitable as shelter for the Palaeolithic people but the raw
materials for the manufacture of tools are lacking.
10
More precisely, in 1863, when A. Schmidl described the area 10 meters from the entrance
(S c h m i d l 1863, passim).
11
Information on the exploration of the Coliboaia Cave is kept in the archives of RFS.
 8
Clin Ghemi ET AL.

Fig. 1. Coliboaia cave geographical position

SISTEMUL PETERA DIN DEALUL SECTURII - PETERA COLIBOAIA
-400m

N CURS DE CARTARE
PETERA COLIBOIA

PETERA DIN DEALUL SECTURII

- 330m
-230m
PETERA DIN DEALUL SECTURII
DETALIU
-176 0 50m

INTRARE
Topografiere: 1980-1982
Halasi G.
Halasi Gh.
Ponta Gh.
An exceptional archaeological discovery...

Ermesz.R.
Borodan T.
Brinza V.

Exporare 2008
A.S. Speowest Arad - C.S. Speodava tei
Topografiere: 2008
Besesek M.
Sarkozi R.
Radu V.
iclovan V.
Cartografiere:
Mihai Besesek
9

Fig. 2. The Coliboaia Dealul Secturii cave system

10 Clin Ghemi ET AL.

Fig. 3 Coliboaia cave general view. 1 The great chamber the lake; 2 Second siphon
 An exceptional archaeological discovery...
11

Fig. 4. Coliboaia cave general view. The right wall of the Art Gallery
12 Clin Ghemi ET AL.

Fig. 5. Coliboaia cave general view. The Art Galery

The gallery is drained by an underground stream with three siphons of

different size followed by a bifurcation. Following the main gallery one reach-
es the Art Gallery by climbing a calcite cascade. The gallery is at 7 metres
above the actual walking level in the cave.
The drawings are in black pigment, probably made with charcoal. There
are representations of animals: bison, horses, undetermined ones (horse or
felid), one or two bear heads, a possible mammoth, and rhinoceros heads. Some
engravings are also visible (Fig. 45).
The drawings were made on both walls of the gallery without any appar-
ent concern for symmetry, probably with the exception of the drawings from
the inner part (facing horse and rhinoceros).
The lack of a detailed topography of the gallery does not allow at present
a more detailed description of the drawings (see also Clottes et al., in print).

THE ART GALLERY DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

A. The right wall

1. Panel at 1.5 metres below the bison where bear claw marks are inter-
twined with charcoal impressions. Possible engravings (signs, vulvae?) and
eroded impressions can be observed on this panel.
 An exceptional archaeological discovery... 13

2. Male bison seen in profile with its horns in a frontal perspective (Fig.
6:1). The shape of the wall (fissure, concavity) is made good use of. The draw-
ing is placed 1.432.02 m above the ground and has a total length of 83 cm.
The line is eroded and has a width of 2.5 width, its colour is bluish-grey (an
older generation of drawings?). The line is interrupted in two places by bear
claw marks (the right horn tip and the end of the spine) and bat scratch marks
on the head. Other two marks are above the head, and another group of two
lines above the back, and finally, two lines probably represent one or two front
legs.
13. An incomplete silhouette of an animal (Fig. 6:2), utilizing fissures on
the wall, is found 60 cm from the bison in an elongated pronounced cavity.
The drawing is bluish-grey in colour similar as that of the bison. Positioned
117142 cm above the floor. Length: 32 cm.
14. A possible bear head looking left is situated 30 cm lower down, between
179 and 202 cm above the floor. The surface of the rock was altered by chip-
ping. A more pronounced and uncalcified part places this representation among
the second, younger series of drawings.
15. An undetermined animal (horse or felid?), 89 cm in length and 39 cm
in height, is situated 70 cm along the wall, at 170195 cm above the floor (Fig.
7:1). The silhouette, with a pronounced and uncalcified aspect, is incomplete,
segmented, and the natural shape of the wall is used to suggest the upper
part of the head. The line of the drawing is intersected by bat scratch marks.
16. Two quite eroded vertical marks are visible 210 cm from no. 5, at 120
132 cm above the floor.
17. Moving down, on a fissure/ledge of the wall, many small fragments of
charcoal are visible. Two or three impressions are visible on the ceiling, at ca.
2 m above the cave floor.
18. The figure of a horse is found 10 metres from the drawings already
described (Fig. 7:2). To see the horse one has to lie down in a supine position
in the niche where it is drawn. The figure is made very close to the floor on
the ceiling of a hollow 1 m in length, to 50 cm deep, and 50 cm in height. It
represents a black horse (45 cm in length) oriented towards the right, with a
tilted head and a mane rendered as a crest. The line of the back is inter-
rupted at the point of the mane base (at 11 cm distance). The nostril corre-
sponds to a kind of hollowed place in the wall.
19. Close to the horse, in the same hollow, is visible a 20-cm long head of
a possible rhinoceros. The line (with two horns and eyes?) is badly eroded.

B The left wall

The left wall is less suitable for decoration and the repertoire of the draw-
ings is less rich.
10. The head of a black rhinoceros (47 cm in length) is placed opposite the
horse (no. 8) on the right wall, 5998 cm above the floor (Fig 7:2). The tip of
14 Clin Ghemi ET AL.

Fig. 6. Coliboaia cave details. 1 The bison; 2 unidentified figure

 An exceptional archaeological discovery... 15

Fig. 7. Coliboaia cave details. 1 The horse or felid; 2 The rhinoceros

16 Clin Ghemi ET AL.

the nasal horn disappears under the calcite and the line is bluish in colour,
similar to the first generation of drawings. The figure is framed by two paral-
lel fissures in the wall.
11. On the calcite dome at the centre of the gallery and in front of the
pseudo-mammoth (no. 12), a black 35 23 cm figure, interpreted as the head
of a bear looking left. It is situated between 12 and 134 cm above the floor.
12. The pseudo-mammoth consists of a series of old-looking black lines,
intersecting and organized around a hollow (36 7 cm), at 90107 cm above
the floor.
13. Some black marks are visible near at the beginning of the gallery, on
the slope, and close to the first panel, but they are not accessible at present
due to the clayey nature of the soil.

THE COLIBOAIA CAVE AND ITS ART GALLERY AUTHENTICITY

AND CHRONOLOGY

The authenticity of these prehistoric drawings can be supported by a number

of arguments.
First, the lines are eroded and sometimes concretions are present (rhinoc-
eros, bison). They have, by no means, the freshness of recent drawings. On the
other hand, many of the images have on them bear claw marks and bat scratch
marks, a point which proves their relative antiquity. Finally, the subjects and
the techniques of execution (the frequent use of the natural shape of the rock;
stylistic conventions) are fully in agreement with what we know about Euro-
pean Palaeolithic art.
The drawings in the Coliboaia Cave, basing on a comparison with Western
Palaeolithic art, may belong to the Early/Middle Upper Palaeolithic-Gravettian
(29,00023,000 BP) or Aurignacian (35,00029,000 BP). Ancient chronology of
the representations is supported also by the low frequency of rhinoceros and
bear during the late Glacial period and by some rare conventions used in the
making of a few of the images the crest-like mane of the horse, and the
frontal perspective for the bisons horns.
The profile of the bears head and the undetermined figure are probably
younger in age (the colour used is darker than in other drawings which have
a grey nuance). They may belong to a later phase. This interpretation is sup-
ported also by the lack of claw marks on top of those images.
The author or the authors of the drawings used simple outlines to create
minimalist, stylised representations of animals, mostly heads, the only full
figure drawing is that of the bison. The chromatic perspective is also reduced.
The representations in the Art Gallery do not seem to form a uniform as-
semblage and suggest more than a single stage of execution of the drawings.
 An exceptional archaeological discovery... 17

A more comprehensive publication of these representations and their in-

terdisciplinary analysis is a task for the future. The aim of this article is to
provide some basic information known to scientific community and we would
like to thank our Polish colleagues for their invitation to publish this informa-
tion.
Translated by Ciprian Astalo
proof-reading Editoral Board

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Addresses of the Authors

Dr Clin Ghemi Dr Bernard Gly
Muzeul rii Criurilor, Oradea Direction Regionale pour Affaires
B-dul Dacia nr. 13 Culturelles
410464 Oradea, ROMANIA Rhne Alpes France
e-mail: ereshu@yahoo.com Le Grenier dabondance 6 quai Saint
Vincent
Dr Jean Clottes 69001 Lyon, FRANCE
International expert on rock art e-mail :
at I.C.O.M.O.S. and U.N.E.S.C.O.
e-mail: j.clottes@wanadoo.fr Dr Francoise Prudhomme
Musee de Prehistoire dOrgnac
Grand Site de France
07150 Orgnac LAven, France
e-mail: f.prudhomme@orgnac.com