From artists to miners: A multiperiod human prehistoric activity inside the “Hall of the Hinds” in Arenaza cave (Northern Spain)

• Inner archaeological context provides a relevant information about human activity inside the caves. • We propose a multiproxy and interdisciplinary approach for the comprehensive study of the archaeological record. • Despite the recondite and inaccessible nature of the cave art, an intense and varied multi-period activity is detected. • The results show the absence of materials linked to the execution of the Palaeolithic art. • Two different episodes are detected: one dated to the Late Bronze Age and the other to the Roman period. The Arenaza Cave (Galdames, Basque Country) is known for the extensive archaeological site found in its vestibule and the parietal art on its inner walls. A very long sequence of human occupation is noteworthy, from at least the Gravettian to the Roman period. In addition, the cave was the subject of iron mining explorations during the 19th century and part of the 20th century, causing a profound transformation of its interior morphology. Even so, four sectors with Palaeolithic parietal art have been preserved inside, with the “Hall of the Hinds” standing out, not only because of the number of paintings but also because of its difficult access after a long and narrow gallery at a considerable distance from the entrance to the cave. To archaeologically contextualise the artistic activity, a programme was developed that included two archaeological surveys and the dating of black charcoal marks on the walls. The results obtained show the absence of archaeological materials linked to the execution of the art, dated stylistically between ca. 31 and 26 ka. On the other hand, two different episodes have been detected: one dated to the Late Bronze Age (3.5 ka) and the other to the Roman period (4th century CE). Black marks on the walls are also associated with these two episodes. In other words, despite the recondite and inaccessible nature of the decorated space, an intense and varied multi-period activity can be detected, reflecting the diachronic complexity that the internal archaeological contexts of the cavities can present.