In 1985, Vittorino Cazzetta from Pescul di Selva di Cadore, noticed some unusual artifacts in a mound of soil disturbed by a marmot. This led to the discovery of the only Mesolithic burial ever found at high altitude (2150 m): the Mondeval Man, also known as Valmo. His skeleton was uncovered in 1987 following excavations by Professor Antonio Guerreschi and his team, after Cazzetta’s report.
The skeleton, now housed at the Vittorino Cazzetta Museum in Selva di Cadore, belongs to a Mesolithic hunter (11,600 – 7,500 years ago), one of the last representatives of the Cro-Magnon type. He was buried under a shelter formed by an erratic boulder, along with a rich array of grave goods by other hunters who frequented the site nearly 10,000 years ago.
The grave goods accompanying Valmo include significant archaeological artifacts, some of which are organic in nature, such as meal remains and resins with propolis. These finds have greatly expanded paleontological knowledge. Today, the Mondeval Man continues to be the subject of scientific studies, which have confirmed the continuous presence of prehistoric humans in the Alpine region.
In addition to the section dedicated to the Mondeval Man, the Vittorino Cazzetta Museum also features other interesting exhibits, such as the paleontological room, which is dedicated to Dolomite fossils and boasts a rich collection on display.
© Marcadoc editorial team | 13/08/2024
