Sujet Taphonomy of ornated wall in prehistoric caves. A multi-analytical approach to study hypogean artworks biodegradation
Date vendredi 15 décembre 2023 à 14h30
Lieu Maison des Sciences de l’Homme de Bordeaux, salle Jean Borde [Zoom]
Abstract
Caves are an essence of the past and they are considered a part of important cultural heritage, therefore, it is of utmost importance to conserve and preserve these assets. Over the course of time, like all other cultural assets, caves too are disposed to deterioration and alteration of their walls. One such alteration that has been observed in these caves, are moonmilk deposits, secondary speleothems, which are consequently covering the entire or parts of the parietal art. The microbial population was studied using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) to distinguish whether the microbial communities differ from area to area inside the caves. The micro-analytical techniques: SEM-EDS, XRD and petrography, were used to study the similarities in the limestones from the caves. The thesis also aims to study the relationship between the microorganisms and the limestone. We try to see and understand any metabolic activity, and observe if there are any surface alterations created by microorganisms. Case studies concern some non-ornated caves and some ornated caves of the Vézère vallée in Dordogne, France.