The Prince of Arene Candide: A Shell-Adorned Burial from the Ice Age
An extraordinary Upper Palaeolithic burial was uncovered in the Arene Candide Cave in northwestern Italy, featuring a skull adorned with what appears to be a cap made from hundreds of small snail shells. Overlooking the Mediterranean between Genoa and the French border, the cave houses a necropolis containing the remains of around 20 adults and children.
In 1942, archaeologists excavating the site discovered a richly decorated Mid Upper Palaeolithic (Gravettian) burial, dating to approximately 22,000–21,000 BC. The remains belong to an adolescent male, affectionately dubbed “The Prince” by researchers. He was found 6.7 meters below the modern ground level of the cave, lying on a bed of red ochre—a sign of ritual burial.
The grave goods accompanying the 𝘣𝘰𝘥𝘺 included mammoth ivory pendants, antler batons, and a finely crafted 23-centimeter flint blade positioned beside his right hand.
The most striking feature was the possible shell bead cap atop the 𝘴𝘬𝘶𝘭𝘭, made of intricately arranged snail shells, reflecting both the symbolic significance and artistic sophistication of Gravettian culture.
