The Orinoco engravings are the world’s largest rock art

From Patagonia to Punta Gallinas, South America is home to a rich wealth of history Waiting to be discovered. Although much of what happened a few centuries before the Europeans arrived in the “New World” has been recovered and documented for transmission, When it comes to prehistoric times, mystery reigns in this region of the continent.

Precisely in the unknown is where archaeology appears like a superhero, capable, through the scientific method, of understanding the distant past and also the fascinating ones. And in this sense a new discovery has become a cause for celebration among lovers South American rock artthat says a lot about it Myths and beliefs of primitive cultures in the region.

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While there are petroglyphs and pictographs carved into the rocks of the Middle and Upper Orinoco, a river located between Colombia and Venezuela Evidence of its existence from the late 19th centuryWhile they were mentioned sporadically in the writings of the Spanish Jesuit missionary Juan Rivero, an investigation by Colombian and British archaeologists has revealed that new data and has revealed them all They may be over 2,000 years old,

The study, promoted by Bournemouth University (United Kingdom), University College London (United Kingdom) and Universidad de los Andes (Colombia), is published in the journal ancient time and promises Continue exploring the monumental sites of the Orinoco to provide a worthy record for the indigenous people of the region who have been important in the research Ancient Traditions,

The world’s largest rock carving

In addition to those already known, the team of archaeologists and leaders of the investigation, Philippe Riris and José Ramón Oliver, discovered many more representations, including drawings. Snakes, Amazon Centipedes and Human Figures. But perhaps the most surprising thing about the findings is not the nature of the images, but Its size,

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Some of the engravings are dozens of meters long, with the largest being more than 40 meters long, forcing the researchers to use drones to record the sites. And in fact, thanks to this technique, not only can new specimens be detected, but also Map of the 14 monumental rock engraving sites The analysis of which will continue.

What conclusions have been drawn so far from mapping and comparisons between cave paintings and cave drawings Motifs used in ceramics The remains found in the area indicate that there may have been engravings on the rocks about 2,000 years agoor possibly much earlier. However, like other examples of rock art in America and Europe, it is difficult to find a specific date.

As for the reason for their existence, the authors indicate in the statement to Bournemouth University that, due to their size, the engravings may have been thought of as can be seen from a distance. And not only that, but they could have been used by prehistoric groups as well.”As a way of marking territoryletting people know that this is where they live and that appropriate behaviour is expected,” he highlighted.

Snake, a sign of danger?

The key is in the snakes, which the researchers say are “generally interpreted as quite threatening“. In the work to understand these representations, the team had the support of local guides, and thanks to their contribution it was possible to know, in particular, Boa constrictors and anacondas played an important role In the myths and beliefs of the indigenous population of the region.

Putting together all the information collected during the on-site investigations, Riris and Oliver were able to hypothetically reconstruct a scenario in which these artistic displays would have been spread, taking into account the past commercial importance of the section of the river along which these would have been located. Intended to be seen while sailing in the Orinoco. and, in fact, it is known by then Most of the journeys were made by river.,

However, there is still much to discover. And on the way to reconstructing such a valuable piece Prehistoric period in South AmericaResearchers emphasize that it is important to protect these monumental rock art sites ensure its preservation and continued studyAlways rely on the collaboration of the native people of the area, who without a doubt know the peculiarities of their environment more than anyone.