Isturitz and Oxocelhaya Caves

The Isturitz and Oxocelhaya caves are an important Paleolithic site where a Neanderthal mandible was found, as well as later modern human finds associated with the Aurignacian, Solutrean and Magdalenian [1]. They also include cave paintings and bone flutes [1]. The caves are located in the Gaztelu hill in the Arberoue Valley in the foothills of Pyrenees, in Lower Navarre, a traditional region of the department of Pyrénées-Atlantiques, southwestern France, part of the French Basque Country [1]. The Isturitz cave is divided into two parts: the Hall of Saint-Martin and the Main Hall or Hall of Isturitz [1]. The most common human remains from Isturitz are cranial vaults, which have been cut-marked and modified to create drinking cups, dating from the Magdalenian [1].