Using the artistic expression as an experimental research: The Parabita Venuses case study

The main aim of this research is the study of the procedures that led to the creation of two bone figurines found in Parabita Cave (Lecce, Puglia) at the site of "Cave of Venuses" known as "Venere Grande" and "Venere Piccola". Following an experimental protocol the reproduction of a series of trials was carried out on the bases of hypotheses reached through a microscopic analysis of the archaeological samples in the M.A.R.T.A. Museum in Taranto. The aim of these trials was to recreate some technological traces on bone objects with lithics that were similar to those found in Parabita Cave, whit a particular attention to gesture and posture related to the production of these traces. The comparison of the experimental traces with the archaeological traces allowed to obtain a "gestural matrix". Furthermore, in order to achieve a tridimensional view of the two archaeological figurines a 3D photogrammetry technique was applied. The 3D view allows the proper interpretation of technological traces in areas where the surface of the archaeological figurines is very curved. The result has been a schematic description of the actions involved in the making of the two bone Figurines.