法国研究团队首次准确测定了位于多尔多涅地区Font-de-Gaume洞穴中史前绘画的年代[1]。通过在黑色颜料中检测隐藏的木炭，研究人员利用放射性碳定年法确定洞穴内野牛绘画的年代为13,461至13,162 calBP（校准前现在），距今约13,000年[1]。同一洞穴中面具形人物的三个样本则显示出不同的年代，分别为8,993-8,590 calBP、15,981-15,121 calBP和15,297-14,246 calBP[1]。
这一发现表明Font-de-Gaume洞穴可能在数千年间被多代人反复访问和修改[1]。研究团队采用了拉曼微光谱法和超光谱成像两种技术来识别并分析颜料样本[1]。该研究由Laboratoire de développement instrumental et de méthodologies innovantes pour les biens culturels领导，成果已发表在《美国国家科学院院刊》2026年第123卷第12期[1]。
French researchers have successfully dated prehistoric paintings in the Font-de-Gaume cave by analyzing charcoal particles hidden within the black pigment, providing precise chronological data for some of Europe's most significant ancient artworks.[1] Using radiocarbon dating, scientists determined that a bison painting in the cave dates between 13,461 and 13,162 calibrated years before present.[1] The research team employed advanced analytical techniques, including Raman microspectroscopy and hyperspectral imaging, to extract and identify the charcoal particles suitable for dating.[1]
The study revealed a more complex history of human activity at the site than previously understood.[1] A mask-like human figure within the cave showed evidence of being created across multiple periods separated by thousands of years, with three distinct samples from different parts of the figure yielding dates of 8,993 to 8,590 calibrated years before present, 15,981 to 15,121 calibrated years before present, and 15,297 to 14,246 calibrated years before present.[1] These findings suggest that the prehistoric cave was revisited and modified by successive generations over an extended period.[1] The research, led by the Laboratoire de développement instrumental et de méthodologies innovantes pour les biens culturels, was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) in 2026, Volume 123, Issue 12.[1]