December 5, 2022
Use this article to critically examine the mystery of the Lascaux paintings in France.
Free Article: Skeptical Inquirer September/October 2022
Discussion Questions:
- Explore the story of the Lascaux painting discovery and the mystery that still remains. Brainstorm what the purpose of the Lascaux paintings could be.
- Discuss the data presented in the article and what they do to preserve the mystery of Lascaux. For example, it has been determined that the cave was not used as a dwelling place (lack of dwelling related artifacts) or for hunting rituals (abundance of reindeer bones, but no paintings of reindeer).
- In the final paragraph of the article, Polidoro provides some potential uses the Cro-Magnon people may have had for this cave. As a group, discuss what sort of evidence might convince you that any one of these potential explanations could be valid.
- Skeptics are often accused of “taking the mystery from the world.” Why do you think our movement is often perceived in this way?
- Are there any mysteries in the world that you would prefer to remain a mystery? If so, why?
Discover More:
- Virtual Tour of Lascaux
- Information about the Lascaux Reproductions
About the Author:
Massimo Polidoro is an investigator of the paranormal, lecturer, and cofounder and head of CICAP, the Italian skeptics group. Visit his website here.