Dr. Vicente Bayarri Cayón, professor at the Higher Polytechnic School of the Universidad Europea del Atlántico (European University of the Atlantic, UNEATLANTICO), participates in a series of conferences on Altamira and in the authorship of a scientific article published in the “Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences” journal of Springer.
In the article entitled “Geometric and radiometric recording of prehistoric graphic expression: the case of Peña Tu (Asturias, Spain),” Bayarri has been part of the team of authors composed by Luis Teira, Roberto Ontañón, Elena Castillo, and Pablo Arias. The study focuses on methodological issues related to prehistoric graphic expression, specifically in the case of the Peña Tu rock shelter in Asturias, Spain. The team has employed advanced technologies, such as a hyperspectral sensor for the analysis of paintings and photogrammetric and laser scanning techniques for the geometric definition of engravings and rock supports.
Despite the technical challenges, the results have been satisfactory, resolving uncertainties about formal characteristics and discovering previously unknown areas with traces of paintings. The team has also developed a map that highlights recent alterations and deterioration, providing a valuable tool for assessing the state of conservation of the site.
Conference on Altamira
In addition to his scientific contribution, Bayarri has also been the protagonist in a series of conferences entitled “Cave of Altamira: The consecration of Paleolithic art,” organized by the Giménez Lorente Foundation. In the conference entitled “Application of geomatics technologies in the preservation, research, and dissemination of the Altamira cave” given at the Nexus Building of the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV), Bayarri addressed the application of geomatics technologies in the preservation, research, and dissemination of the iconic Cave of Altamira.
Discovered in 1879, Altamira is recognized as a masterpiece of European Paleolithic rock art and an exceptional testimony to a lost cultural tradition. The conference emphasized that the Cave of Altamira, more than a tableau of polychromes, is a karst system that brings together various living and non-living elements, so the objective is to maintain its balance.
Interested parties can watch the full conference at the following link.