INSIGHTS INTO THE AUTHORSHIP OF PALAEOLITHIC CAVE ART THROUGH GEOMETRIC MORPHOMETRICS ANALYSIS OF PALM PRINTS: THE CASE OF POINTS CAVE (AIGUÈZE, GARD, FRANCE)

Determining how many individuals produced pre-Historic rock art, and whether they collaborated or worked separately, is crucial for reconstructing social contexts. Geometric morphometrics provides a quantitative approach to authorship. We analysed 59 Upper Palaeolithic red palm prints from four clusters in Points Cave (Aiguèze, Gard, France) to test the number of authors. Palm contours were extracted from 3D cave models. Morphology was quantified using elliptical Fourier analysis. Results show a strong link between palm form and location, distinguishing the Recess from the Gallery. Simulations indicate at least two, probably three, authors overall; clusters 15 and 11 likely reflect single individuals, whereas clusters 12 and 14 remain uncertain. These findings exclude both collective ritual production and long-term cumulative accumulation.