ABSTRACT
The decorated cave of Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, in Ardeche, known as Chauvet Cave, discovered on 18 December1994 by Jean-Marie Chauvet and his companions in the Gorges de l’Ardeche, has been under study since 1988. From the beginning of this research, in response to a call for proposals by the Ministry of Culture and Communication for the scientific study of the Chauvet-Pont d’Arc Cave, certain principles were defined, inspiring the research and conservation actions that would be undertaken. This is the first time in the world that a multidisciplinary research team as diverse as this was conceived and composed for the study of a major rock art site. This would not have been possible without the motivation and financial support of the Ministry of Culture and Communication. Since then, several teams following a similar model have been formed elsewhere, particularly in the United States, South Africa and Australia. Diverse conditions must be meet for this type of teamwork to function. This vast cavern is a still active karstic system located under the high part of the cliffs of the Ardeche Gorges. The entrance was abruptly closed off from the outside by a rock fall around 22,000 years ago, tightly sealing and protecting the archaeological contents inside. From the moment of its discovery, this site was thus recognized for the exceptionally good preservation of the drawings and engravings on its walls, as well as of the paleontological remains and traces of human and animal presence on the floors and walls. This cave, occupied between 36,000 and 29,000 years ago was immediately protected and the decision was made not to open it to the public due to the fragility of its art works, its confined space, and its inaccessibility at the time of the discovery. Much thought was given to determining how the entrance would be modified and what types of equipment would be allowed inside. A raised metallic path was installed in the areas where the discoverers had walked on the ground. The research itself was first organized in function of these paths and when possible was extended into areas that are accessible without risk; these are zones that are covered with a thick layer of hard calcite on which a secondary system of removable paths can be installed. In parallel with these first modifications, climatic and biological studies of the cavity were undertaken. These studies led to the definition of a set of rules that has since been applied to all visits, including those associated with research activities. In addition to the climatic regulation of this cave system, variations in CO2 and Radon levels are today the most restricting parameters determining the conditions for human presence in the cave. Due to the remarkable preservation of the ground surfaces—on which we find many traces and remains of human and animal presence—our foremost priority must be to ensure the preservation of this cave, including its walls, climate and floors. The ultimate goal is to enable to pass on a cavern that is fully intact, where all types of future research will still be possible. The question of how to transmit and share knowledge is fundamental at this site, unique in the history of the development of modern human thought. Some answers have been found in the creation 174of an ambitious cave replica and learning center, as well as in a strict policy permitting only exceptional visits in the original cavern.
