Absence of botanical European Palaeolithic cave art: What can it tell us about plant awareness disparity?

Abstract

Societal Impact Statement Cave art has been an integral part of human history, providing a glimpse into the lives and cultures of our ancestors. Prehistoric botanical art is an important medium that can help us to redefine our intimate relationship with plants. The findings from our work provide some evidence from the European Palaeolithic period that modern plant awareness disparity (PAD) might be more deeply rooted in our past. By inspiring a deeper appreciation and understanding of the natural world, cave art can help people to reconnect with plants, thus tackling PAD.

Keywords

• animals
• art
• botany
• cave
• Palaeolithic
• plant blindness