Cueva de Tito Bustillo
Tito Bustillo Cave · Ramales Cave
Upper Palaeolithic (Magdalenian)·Magdalenian·🇪🇸 Asturias, Ribadesella, Spain
About
About Cueva de Tito Bustillo
Major Magdalenian cave on the Sella River with 12 galleries of polychrome paintings (c. 22,000–10,000 BP), including horses, reindeer and famous anthropomorph, plus habitation deposits. UNESCO World Heritage as part of Cave of Altamira ensemble.
Why it mattersOne of finest Magdalenian art caves, linking Cantabrian and Pyrenean traditions.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Anthropomorph meaning
- 02Chronology of phases
Theories
- 01Shamanic ritual gallery
- 02Initiation sanctuary for Magdalenian groups
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 22000 BP (natural cave)
- Period
- Upper Palaeolithic (Magdalenian)
- Culture
- Magdalenian
- Purpose
- Ritual art sanctuary and seasonal habitation
- Rediscovered
- Modern excavation 19th–20th century
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 22000 BP (natural cave)
Initial construction / first occupation at Cueva de Tito Bustillo
19th century / 1960s
Antiquarian notice and modern systematic excavation of Cueva de Tito Bustillo
2000s
Conservation and publication of final reports for Cueva de Tito Bustillo
On the ground
Structures & features
43.4550° N · 5.0670° W · 35 m · 3 mapped features
Panel of the Horses
rock artGreat Panel with red and black polychrome horses and reindeer in main gallery
43.4552° N · 5.0669° WAnthropomorph Gallery
rock artEngraved anthropomorph figure with marine animals in side chamber
43.4549° N · 5.0669° WHabitation Vestibule
habitationEntrance vestibule with Magdalenian hearths, harpoons and faunal remains
43.4552° N · 5.0671° W