Post by L Roebuck on Aug 4, 2006 8:34:19 GMT -5
Painted cave re-opens in Gran Canaria
Closed for 24 years, the Cueva Pintada in Gáldar, Gran Canaria, has bounced back better than ever. The museum with its primitive paintings which have been dated to as early as the sixth century and as late as the sixteenth, is set to attract thousands of visitors a year.
The meaning of the cave’s famous red-and-white geometric patterns, which include the labyrinth-like spirals so beloved of Canary aboriginal peoples, are still very much an enigma.
Theories as to their purpose abound. There is a growing body of evidence that they could be some sort of calendar.
The Cueva Pintada is part of a larger village complex and is thought to have been a religious site.
The paintings were discovered by a local farmer, José Ramos, in 1873; but they were not listed as a national heritage site until 1973. Later modern irrigation methods installed nearby began to cause damage because of water seepage. The underground complex was closed in 1982 in order to protect it from visitors.
Now a state-of-the-art museum has been built on site. Visitors will be able to view the spectacular painted area from inside a transparent “bubble” which will isolate them from the art work to prevent further deterioration.
Article and Cave Photo: www.tenerifenews.com/cms/front_content.php?client=1&lang=1&idcat=8&idart=4652
Closed for 24 years, the Cueva Pintada in Gáldar, Gran Canaria, has bounced back better than ever. The museum with its primitive paintings which have been dated to as early as the sixth century and as late as the sixteenth, is set to attract thousands of visitors a year.
The meaning of the cave’s famous red-and-white geometric patterns, which include the labyrinth-like spirals so beloved of Canary aboriginal peoples, are still very much an enigma.
Theories as to their purpose abound. There is a growing body of evidence that they could be some sort of calendar.
The Cueva Pintada is part of a larger village complex and is thought to have been a religious site.
The paintings were discovered by a local farmer, José Ramos, in 1873; but they were not listed as a national heritage site until 1973. Later modern irrigation methods installed nearby began to cause damage because of water seepage. The underground complex was closed in 1982 in order to protect it from visitors.
Now a state-of-the-art museum has been built on site. Visitors will be able to view the spectacular painted area from inside a transparent “bubble” which will isolate them from the art work to prevent further deterioration.
Article and Cave Photo: www.tenerifenews.com/cms/front_content.php?client=1&lang=1&idcat=8&idart=4652