There is evidence of gypsum mining. Gypsum and other minerals were probably used for body paint, and perhaps for seasoning and medicine. Cave art is not surprising, when one considers the many ways that humans have used caves over the centuries. These uses include religious worship, storage, mining, and burial. In some parts of the world, entire communities live in caves today, as the Anasazis did in the past.
American history has many stories about caves.
Along the route of the Underground Railroad, slaves took shelter during the civil war. Other people have used caves for producing nitrates for gunpowder and fertilizer. Food producers have used caves for cooling chickens and aging cheese. Over the years, both children and their dogs have played an important role in cave discovery, including the sites of major cave art. Partly because both children and dogs are naturally curious and love to explore.