It was clear that most of the figures were authentic; however the presence of graffiti on some walls, left by the visitors of more recent years, made it necessary to proceed with caution with the study of the paleolithical art.
The first step of the Aranzadi Science Society was to install a gate to prevent access to the cave. The cave was named Altxerri, after the farmhouse standing next to it.
It was decided not to allow more visits than the strictly necessary. J.M. de Barandiaran made the first study of the figures, which was published in the magazine Munibe in 1964. In 1976 Prof. J. Altuna published a second study of the figures with the collaboration of Prof. J.M Apellániz, also in Munibe.
In 1996 Jesus Altuna published the divulgation book "Ekain y Altxerri - Dos santuarios paleolíticos en el País Vasco" in various languages.
