Rock Paintings in Ojos Albos

Por rinconalia.es

Por turismoavila.com

Hidden in secluded shelters beneath the Peña Mingubela, just 3 km from Ojos Albos (Ávila), the rock paintings of this site offer one of the most complete sequences of schematic art of the Meseta and the Central System, with phases spanning from the Late Bronze Age to the Early Middle Ages.

Geographic and Archaeological Context

The complex sits on sandstone of the Galician-Leonese Massif, perforated by the Zapardiel River. The abundance of springs and proximity to the riverbed facilitated human settlement and the creation of these representations over more than 3 000 years.

Discovery and Research

Early Findings (1970s): Identification of a few isolated figures.
Systematic Excavations (1990–2005): University of Salamanca team, ground-penetrating radar used to map shelters.
Dating: Pigment analysis via spectroscopy and thermoluminescence dating of associated deposits.
Key Publications: “Arte esquemático abulense” (2008), “Pigmentos y cronologías” (2015).

Chronology and Pictorial Phases

Late Bronze Age (c. 1200–800 BC): Simple lines and figures in carmine and orange tones.
Early Iron Age (c. 800–500 BC): Superimposed motifs in wine red, using fine brushes.
Late and Roman Period (c. 500 BC–200 AD): Incorporation of new abstract symbols.
Early Medieval (c. 10th–13th centuries AD): Partial deterioration, occasional additions of crosses and scratched texts.

Techniques and Pigments

Natural iron oxides for red/orange hues.
Powdered charcoal and animal blood for violet-black tones.
Mixtures with resins or animal fats to improve adherence.
Brushstrokes with thorns or fingers, engravings with lithic tools.

Iconography and Possible Meanings

Anthropomorphs: figures with spears or staffs, possibly ritual warriors or companions.
Zoomorphs: schematic deer, goats and bovids—scenes of hunting or totemic rituals?
Abstract Signs: lattices, zig-zags, concentric circles—hypotheses of calendars or symbolic maps.
Superimpositions: indicating repainting events over successive generations.

Conservation Status and Risks

The paintings are protected behind wooden walkways and UV-resistant glass, but they suffer from:

Microbiocorrosion by lichens and algae.
Microclimate humidity causing occasional condensation.
Damage from heavy visitor traffic if numbers are not controlled.

Access and Visit

How to get there: From Ojos Albos, start at the plaza by the town hall, church and fountain. Park and begin the trail on Procesiones Street; at its end, follow the marked path from a cattle grid.
In about 25 minutes you will reach the Peña Mingubela. Descend to the Valdelaguila stream, cross a fence through the gate, then continue along the riverbank trail until you reach the rock shelter.
Cross the stream, climb the short slope to the north-facing shelter, where you will find the rock paintings. The round trip is approximately 3 km and 50 minutes on foot.

Conclusion

The Ojos Albos rock paintings provide an exceptional testament to cultural continuity in the Zapardiel Valley. Their long sequence—from the Bronze Age through the Medieval period—and rich iconography make them an essential site for understanding schematic art and ritual practices of prehistoric communities on the Meseta.