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How wielding lamps and torches shed new light on Stone Age cave art

Experiments with ancient light sources help unravel how people created underground paintings

two researchers, one holding a torch in a dark cave

Researchers observe how a torch made of materials available in the Stone Age burns in a cave. Such experiments are helping the researchers understand how humans living thousands of years ago made cave art.

I. Intxaurbe

By Jaime Chambers

- More than 2 years ago

Read another version of this article at Science News Explores

As a geologist who studies Stone Age cave art, Iñaki Intxaurbe is used to making subterranean treks in a headlamp and boots.