A group of researchers led by the Venezuelan archaeologist attached to the Culture Department of the Simón Bolívar University (USB), Jose Miguel Perez-Gomezhas discovered 20 sites of rock art dating back several thousand years in Canaima National Park, Bolívar state.
Some of these designs, which researchers have dubbed “pictograms“, were drawn in red and depict geometric motifs such as dotted lines, rows of X’s, star-shaped patterns, and straight lines that connect to each other to form a variety of designs.
There are also simple depictions of leaves and drawings of people with sticks. Some of the images, called petroglyphs, were etched into the rock and also show a variety of geometric motifs.
Several of the 20 rock art sites also contained remains of pottery and stone tools that might have been used by the people who created the rock art. However, more research is needed to say for sure, Pérez-Gómez told the scientific magazine Live Science.
While archaeologists have found similar rock art designs elsewhere in South America, the newly discovered art “represents a new culture previously unknown“, added the Venezuelan researcher.
It is not clear why people created this art.It is almost impossible to get into the minds of people who lived so many years ago. [miles de] years“Perez-Gomez said, but “definitely these signs had a ritual meaning.”
Researchers do not rule out the possibility that further evidence of this lost civilization may not be found within Canaima Park, although the search will take time.
Venezuela present at the Rock Art Congress in Italy
The ‘Rock Art Congress’ was held in the city of Valcamonica, Italy, from 26 to 29 June. José Miguel Pérez Gómez presented his recent discoveries there.
The Venezuelan researcher indicated that his participation in this important Congress seeks to promote research and preservation of cultural manifestations in Venezuela.
The work called: «The Canaima Cultural Tradition» It is an exceptional testimony to an ancient culture hitherto unknown, offering an unparalleled window into one of perhaps the earliest periods in South America.
This conference, sponsored by UNESCO and other international scientific institutions, brought together researchers from around the world and seeks to promote direct exchanges between participants, as well as including online presentations.
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2024-07-03 23:57:11
