Roca dels Moros self-guided tour

Several groupings of engraved lines have been documented, including vertical, slanting and interlacing lines, geometric shapes and fish motifs. The incisions may have been made at various times. The fish group is attributed to the Early Middle Ages.

Photo: Gravats G3 peixos alta edat mitjana
This group includes three fish, possibly dating from the Early Middle Ages, executed with fine lines, together with other lines, as part of a confusing, interlaced composition.

Several engravings from the Upper Palaeolithic or Epipalaeolithic period can be seen in the mural, mainly figurative motifs scattered across the surface. The most complete element is that of a doe engraved with a fine line in the upper part of the mural, but there are also outlined outlines of quadrupeds that are linked to the painted figures in the case of the bulls.

Photo: Gravats G1 cérvola
Upper Palaeolithic or Epipalaeolithic doe located in the highest part of the group to the left of the mural, together with a few Iberian inscriptions. In line with the Upper Palaeolithic style, it is engraved with a stylised, fine line profile and filled with longitudinal strokes.

Photo: Gravat G4a cérvola
Incomplete outline of a doe (G4a) with pointed, straight ears, elongated head, tapering snout, neck, beginning of its forelegs and abdominal line. Its chronocultural attribution is doubtful.

Photo: Gravat G7a quadrúpede
The figure of a quadruped (G7a) executed with a thick line and an almost straight back profile, slightly sloping at the rear, and a neck and head with a straight snout. Its chronocultural attribution is doubtful.

Photo: Gravat bòvid 12
Bovid 12 with associated engravings (the lines in red cannot be directly attributed to the figure of the animal).

Photo: Gravat bòvid 20
Bovid 20 with associated engravings (the lines in red cannot be directly attributed to the figure of the animal).

Photo: Gravat bòvid 21
Bovid 21 with associated engravings (the lines in red cannot be directly attributed to the figure of the animal).

The Latin characters are mostly distributed between various lines located in the upper and middle part of the mural, below the pictorial group of the schematic stag hunting scene and the groups of Levantine cervids to the right of the mural.

The transcriptions that have been made indicate religious vows from the Roman period, perhaps from the 1st century BC.

The Iberian characters are predominantly located in the upper part of the shelter, above the schematic stag hunting scene. The characters are distributed between a line that covers the engraved doe and two slanting lines, the longest of the entire group.

Different transcriptions have been suggested, but the grainy surface prevents some of the alphabetic inscriptions, and therefore any readings, from being precise.

Located in front of the previous figure. This animal has been chipped away by a stone that has destroyed the lower part of its head and neck. However, its morphology indicates a massive body with the remains of a straight-browed head and small ears, from where a dorsal curve begins, which tapers towards the back and continues with a long tail. Its abdominal curve and four legs are also distinguishable.

Located in the upper right part of the frieze, indicating movement due to the inflexion of his legs. He holds a bow and possibly five arrows, with which he is probably approaching a wild boar, thereby conferring a ritual nature perhaps related to the other compositions.
His head is rounded and apparently flattened by some kind of headdress or ligature, and his trunk is slender, with an ornament hanging on both sides of the body. There is another distinctive feature at his waist, possibly related to his penis, attached to the body in the form of a phallic sheath or similar.

Located to the right of the previous remains. These are associated black strokes that could correspond to the body of a human figure: trunk and arms. They were thought perhaps to be a schematic motif in the previous documentation, dating from 1985.

These are located to the right and at a higher level than the previous doe and close to doe 39. They form an irregular, vertically elongated shape of a reddish-brown colour.

Located at the base of the mural below figures 33 and 34. It is the remains of a blackish-brown doe facing left. Only part of the head has been preserved, with two upright ears, fragments of dorsal line, possibly a small tail and remains of its legs.

Located to the right of pair 43-44 and on the far right of the group. Erosion and anthropic activity have caused the lower extremities to practically disappear. They were probably painted at the same time as pair 33-34. Figure 47 is smaller, looking like an adolescent girl holding hands with an older woman. The figures have triangular heads, slender trunks, straight shoulders, pronounced hips and are wearing tight skirts, while figure 46 is carrying a pouch that could be mistaken for her chest.

Located to the right of pair 43-44 and on the far right of the group. Erosion and anthropic activity have caused the lower extremities to practically disappear. They were probably painted at the same time as pair 33-34. Figure 47 is smaller, looking like an adolescent girl holding hands with an older woman. The figures have triangular heads, slender trunks, straight shoulders, pronounced hips and are wearing tight skirts, while figure 46 is carrying a pouch that could be mistaken for her chest.

Located between pairs 43-44 and below the skirt of figure 44. These are the remains of an undetermined reddish-coloured animal that has lost its front part (head and forelegs). Nonetheless, it has an irregular back tending to be straight, curved abdominal area, well-marked groin and single hind leg. The motif indicates, like other remains, the existence of older figures in the group. Like figures 39 and 40, the quadruped is facing right.

This pair is located to the right of the phallic figure. They may correspond to the first women in the group. They have triangular heads, slender, shapely trunks and wide hips covered by skirts. They are holding hands. Their skirts are similarly flared, although figure 44 also has lower peaks. Figure 43 wears a necklace, which could be mistaken for a sagging chest. The colours applied to these figures correspond to various repainting processes: reddish-brown, dark reddish-brown, black and white.

This pair is located to the right of the phallic figure. They may correspond to the first women in the group. They have triangular heads, slender, shapely trunks and wide hips covered by skirts. They are holding hands. Their skirts are similarly flared, although figure 44 also has lower peaks. Figure 43 wears a necklace, which could be mistaken for a sagging chest. The colours applied to these figures correspond to various repainting processes: reddish-brown, dark reddish-brown, black and white.

Practically in the centre of the composition, this is a very stylised thin, naked male figure with no muscles or forearms and a large penis. His only clothing is an ornament consisting of a pair of ribbons or feathers hanging down to his knees. His size contrasts with that of the older, realistic women, towards whom he faces. His “emaciated” anatomy is entirely intentional in order to create a contrast with his exaggerated sex, thereby emphasising the concept of fertility.

This is located between the back of the head and neck of doe 39 and legs of woman 36. It consists of several thin, straight lines and possible undetermined remains that taken together form a linear anthropomorphic figure. It could be related to figures 15 and 16. It is superimposed on the back of black doe 39.

This is a new figure located above doe 39 and facing right, intersecting with the lines of supposed anthropomorphic figure 41. Its position makes it seem as if it is emerging from the empty abdominal area of the doe. It has a simple, incomplete profile, with realistic features, similar to the characteristics of doe 39, which is superimposed on it.

Located at the feet of women 34-36, close to the male figure and facing right. It has a realistic profile. It is outlined and filled in with similar paint, except in the central part, where there is an empty rectangle, similar to bull 20. There are two superimposed motifs in this area: an undetermined animal (40), which is intersected with the lines of a possible linear anthropomorphic figure (41).

Located at a slightly higher level between pairs 35-36, this is the third pair, although it looks like a figure with four legs. The body shape and clothing is very similar to that of the other women. Figure 37 is superimposed by figure 38, thereby showing almost a single skirt. A fragment of the beginning of the waist and skirt was recorded, demonstrating the existence of a second representation, of which only the legs had been documented. Both are reddish-brown in colour.

These figures can be found to the right of the previous ones and beside the top of doe 39. They have many similarities with figures 33 and 34, with a kind of ornamental pouch hanging from the neck at chest level, which could be accompanied by necklaces. The central part is confusing, practically covered by the overlapping legs of figures 37-38 and lost in the darkening of the wall relief. They were painted in reddish-brown and detailed in black, perhaps two-coloured or repainted.

These figures can be found to the right of the previous ones and beside the top of doe 39. They have many similarities with figures 33 and 34, with a kind of ornamental pouch hanging from the neck at chest level, which could be accompanied by necklaces. The central part is confusing, practically covered by the overlapping legs of figures 37-38 and lost in the darkening of the wall relief. They were painted in reddish-brown and detailed in black, perhaps two-coloured or repainted.

The first pair of women in the group is on the far left facing bovid 21. They have bell-shaped heads, slender trunks, straight shoulders, bent arms, pronounced hips, long legs and small feet. They wear tight skirts, thick bracelets, pendants and pouches, necklaces or pectorals, as well as possible headbands or ligature to hold their hair in place.
Painted black, they may have been restored or partially repainted in brown, although it is possible that the brown was part of the initial paintwork, which would therefore make it two-colour.

Located on the far right of the faunal group, near the outer margin in a very obscured area. This has been a complicated and quite controversial figure to document, as it has been interpreted in various ways. DStretch has allowed us to reconfigure it again. It is a cervid with a heavy body and apparently short legs, a straight face, elongated snout and small antlers. It is outlined and filled in. Facing left in a leaning position, it has a sloping neck with its head lowered, either grazing or drinking.

Located to the right of stag 25 at a lower level than doe 30. This figure faces right and displays a compact body with a small head, straight face, long snout and small ears. It has a straight, sloping chest, curved back, broad trunk, slightly curved abdomen, short, widely spread out legs and long tail.

Found to the right of the previous doe, near the outer margin. It represents a figure facing right with a proportionate, similarly filled body. It has a contoured trunk and abdomen with an elongated head, tapering snout, prominent ears in oblique perspective, suggested chest, indicated withers, well-defined legs (incomplete due to erosion) and detailed hooves.

Located at a higher level than stag 25 and superimposed on its back. It has a contoured outline with a detailed head covered with similar paint. It has a straight face, extended snout, jaw and ears in oblique perspective, straight chest, triangular trunk, curved abdomen with a well-marked groin area, small, drooping tail and straight, poorly defined half-open legs.

Located between the neck and front legs of stag 25. This figure, despite having lost a large part of the body due to chipping of the wall, has preserved the upper part of its outlined body, as well as its straight, pointed ears and remains of a hind leg. Several dots indicating the spots on the fawn’s skin can be seen on the inside of the body.

Situats entre el cérvol (25) i el senglar (31). Integren tres petits traços entrecreuats: dos de rectes verticals i un de corbat en posició horitzontal.

A straight, curved line reminiscent of the forehead and horn of a bovid beside the left antlers of stag 25.

Located to the right of the previous doe. It is calmly facing left. It displays a realistic, proportioned profile with a slightly stylised body, detailed head with snout, seemingly suggested mouth, ear, large branched antlers, long neck, straight back and abdomen, marked groin area, slender legs tapering at the ends, accentuated buttock and drooping tail. The outline is of a darker shade than the interior of the body.

Located in the upper left corner of the group and close to the previous goats, the doe faces left in a static position or beginning to walk. It has a realistic, proportioned outline with some stylisation, head with prominent ears, fine snout, slight dorsal curve, smooth abdomen, fine, long, well-detailed legs, hooves in oblique perspective and drooping tail.

Superimposed on goat 22 and located at a higher level. The sizes are proportionate and it is painted in a similar colour. Its outline forms a compact body, with head and thin snout, powerful, curved and irregularly thick horns, suggested cervicodorsal curve, small ears, raised tail, straight forelegs and bent hind legs. The body and legs of the animal partially cover the horns and head of goat 22.

Located a few centimetres above bovid 21. This running male goat facing right has a realistic, proportionate, stylised outline. We can see a detailed head with long, portentous and rather arched antlers, slightly sloping back and curved abdomen, raised tail and realistic legs with well-detailed hooves in lateral perspective. It was outlined and filled in with blacks and traces of brown. It shows the impacts of ancient stone blows.

Located in front of bull 12 and above bull 20. It is in profile, with a proportionate, detailed body. It has been filled in, is in motion and faces right. The head is detailed: straight face, open mouth, snout, jaw and horns, very similar to bull 12, indicating a temporal simultaneity between the repainting of the first and this figure. Identifiable are an undulating dorsal line, tail, slightly curved abdomen, chest and indication of sex and four legs, incomplete at the ends. It could be placed at an intermediate point between the two black bulls.

Below bulls 12 and 21 is a large, less deteriorated bovid, with a detailed head, straight face, suggestion of a snout, profiled mouth and lips, jaw, ears and long, open, curved horns. The chest is straight and the cervicodorsal line is well defined, with accentuated withers and croup. The tail hangs long and thickens at the lower end. The abdomen and belly are straight and the genitals are indicated. There are traces of the stripes of a possible earlier figure with fine incisions in an unpainted inner rectangle.

Below bulls 12 and 21 is a large, less deteriorated bovid, with a detailed head, straight face, suggestion of a snout, profiled mouth and lips, jaw, ears and long, open, curved horns. The chest is straight and the cervicodorsal line is well defined, with accentuated withers and croup. The tail hangs long and thickens at the lower end. The abdomen and belly are straight and the genitals are indicated. There are traces of the stripes of a possible earlier figure with fine incisions in an unpainted inner rectangle.

There are several undetermined remains that could be related to other fragments occupying the central and rear part of the group beside the left horn of bovid 20.

Figure 18 is a human figure with conserved legs and remains of upper part. The legs, facing right, show the feet and slight indication of the calves. Some upper body parts have been identified through DStretch. The position suggests that the figure is static and possibly in a seated position. Other undetermined remains can be seen around the figure.

Figure 17 corresponds to the legs of a supposed quadruped destroyed by erosion, which correspond to two slightly inclined lines.

Figure 15 is a small motif with anthropomorphic features and simple straight line. Small in size and complete, it integrates the form of a possible human figure. It corresponds to schematic types and is located between the forelegs of bovid 12 and horns of bovid 20. The preserved part of figure 16 has the structure of an inverted Y, which could be the legs. It corresponds to schematic types and is located between the forelegs of bovid 12 and horns of bovid 20.

Figure 13, facing right, conserves the upper part of its body, with one arm bent upwards. Figure 14, more complete, shows a triangular head, the remains of a stylised body, arms and part of the legs open. This figure is facing right and holding some tools (possibly bow and arrow). Both figures, possibly male, are superimposed on the body of bovid 12. Only fragments are currently visible on the blackened and eroded area.

Figure 13, facing right, conserves the upper part of its body, with one arm bent upwards. Figure 14, more complete, shows a triangular head, the remains of a stylised body, arms and part of the legs open. This figure is facing right and holding some tools (possibly bow and arrow). Both figures, possibly male, are superimposed on the body of bovid 12. Only fragments are currently visible on the blackened and eroded area.

At the top left of the group is a very deteriorated large bovid, especially the back half. Part of its body is visible: head with lyre-shaped horns, open mouth, dorsal line with accentuated withers, chest, open forelegs and remains of the tail. It is covered with various incisions from the Roman and Mediaeval periods, such as the engraving of a superimposed fish on its hind legs, as well as stains running through the central part of its body. It is surrounded by traces of dark-coloured paint.

At the top left of the group is a very deteriorated large bovid, especially the back half. Part of its body is visible: head with lyre-shaped horns, open mouth, dorsal line with accentuated withers, chest, open forelegs and remains of the tail. It is covered with various incisions from the Roman and Mediaeval periods, such as the engraving of a superimposed fish on its hind legs, as well as stains running through the central part of its body. It is surrounded by traces of dark-coloured paint.

This figure is in a running position behind the previous motif. It has a bright outlined profile and its neck and head area has been filled in. It displays a simplified triangular body, straight back and abdomen, small head with indications of ears, slender muzzle and unconnected stroke that may correspond to a long tail.

This figure is located to the left of doe 11 and has been interpreted as a possible anthropomorphic figure executed with fine straight lines. Nonetheless, it is the remains of an unspecific element that could either be a human figure or an undetermined element.

Located in the lower left-hand corner of the mural, below deer 8 and behind figures 17 and 18. The figure faces right and has a profiled outline with proportionate figurative features. Identifiable are the neck line, head with small ears or horns, forehead, tapering snout, straight jaw, chest, slightly pronounced abdomen and forelegs leaning forward indicating some movement. The hind legs are very deteriorated and have lost much of the back and hind area.

Located at a lower level and adjacent to the previous remains. Perhaps two superimposed or repainted zoomorphic figures. The figure shows a stylised cervid with a smooth, convex cervicodorsal curve (there may be two of them), no damage, possible oblique perspective antlers (two V-shaped lines), buttocks and straight chest. The legs, abdominal area and head are missing. The figure was outlined and then painted. There are thin blackish strokes on the front of the animal, perhaps the remains of another zoomorphic figure.

Beside and just below the previous figure (6). It has an irregular longitudinal strip that suggests the body of a zoomorphic figure. There are the remains of two different colours: brown and grey.

Located at the top of the group. Its outline indicates the presence of a zoomorphic figure, apparently a bovid facing left. Only the upper part is visible, with a marked outline and remains of flat paint covering inside the body. Identifiable among the conserved parts are the head, snout, ears or remains of horns, cervicodorsal curve and rear area up to the buttock, which is in contact with figures 7 and 8.

This is located in the highest part of the mural, at a higher level than the previous items (1-4). It is possibly a dead animal facing right. It has the same technical characteristics as the previous figures: simplified body with straight lines; trunk, four legs in an inverted position, horizontal tail, vertical branched horn, neck (following the line of the trunk), head and ear pointing downwards.

Approaching stag 3 with his legs open and facing left, in the position of shooting a small bow. The arrow about to be shot can be seen. Similar to the previous motifs, it is executed with short, straight lines: body, legs, arms and rounded head.

Located opposite the previous remains (1-2), facing right and in a static position. Its body has simplified features with mostly straight lines: four legs, raised tail, trunk and head; curved line with neck, possible ear and separate vertical line with a branched horn.

Located on the far left of the group. These are a sloping curved stroke (1) next to another vertical forked stroke (2). Both elements may have been part of an incomplete zoomorphic figure.

Located on the far left of the group. These are a sloping curved stroke (1) next to another vertical forked stroke (2). Both elements may have been part of an incomplete zoomorphic figure.