Beyond images: the external archaeological context of Palaeolithic rock art (EAC). A case study from the Nalón river basin (northern Iberia)

Abstract In this study of the location and physical characteristics surroundings a series decorated caves in Nalón river basin Asturias (northern Iberia), spatial analysis, which included fieldwork use GIS, has defined external archaeological context (EAC) pre-Magdalenian art that area. The information been integrated with rock order to observe tendencies are statistically quantifiable by means multidimensional scaling (MDS), hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) property fitting. potential association between constitutes new approach within Palaeolithic cave research. First, sample was analysed discriminate different situations as regards total number representations, relative importance figurative non-figurative motifs, type representations. Second, relationship EAC graphic activity tested. does not fit homogeneously distributed pattern owing marked contrasts variables. greater or lesser ease access sites condition expression. Instead, visibility is clearly associated particularly However, particular high motifs should be nuanced because issues conservation interpretation exterior engravings mostly affect identification