Rock art discovered in the Amazon rainforest reveals images of early human inhabitants coexisting with giant Ice Age animals. Estimated to be 11,800 to 12,600 years old, this extensive collection includes depictions of extinct species like mastodons and giant sloths, as well as various geometric shapes and human figures, providing insights into the prehistoric lifestyle and survival tactics of these communities during a crucial climatic transformation.
Recent findings in the Amazon rainforest reveal rock art that showcases the coexistence of early inhabitants with enormous Ice Age creatures. These paintings date back approximately 11,800 to 12,600 years, marking the late Ice Age period. Discovered across three rock shelters on the northern fringe of the Colombian Amazon, the excavation, conducted in 2017 and 2018, has only now been published. The artwork features depictions of extinct species such as the mastodon, which is a prehistoric ancestor of modern elephants, as well as giant sloths and Ice Age horses. Additionally, the collection contains geometric designs, human figures, handprints, and scenes of hunting, alongside representations of various animals including snakes and birds. This significant assemblage of rock art, created using red pigments derived from scraped ochre, represents one of the most extensive collections found in South America to date. The research was conducted by a collaborative team from the National University of Colombia, the University of Antioquia, and the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom. Researchers believe these images reflect the lifestyle of people living alongside now-extinct creatures and providing insight into their hunting practices. José Iriarte from the University of Exeter remarked that the visuals illustrate how people cohabitated with these majestic animals. Colleague Mark Robinson added that the pictures provide a detailed and exhilarating look into the lives of the earliest settlers of western Amazonia during an era marked by significant climate change affecting the landscape and vegetation, transitioning the Amazon into its current tropical forest form.
The rock art in question originates from a period when human populations in the Amazon interacted closely with large fauna that are now extinct. It is crucial to understand that this period coincided with the conclusion of the last Ice Age, a particularly transformative time for both climate and environment. Researchers believe that these artistic expressions not only document the existence of these species but also the survival strategies employed by humans as they adapted to their changing world. The findings are significant as they contribute valuable knowledge regarding the social and ecological contexts of early human life in the Amazon rainforest.
In summary, the discovery of ancient rock art in the Amazon rainforest provides remarkable insights into the lives of early inhabitants who lived alongside giant Ice Age creatures. The paintings, which include depictions of now-extinct animals and various human activities, allow researchers to glean knowledge about the adaptations and survival of these communities during a period of dramatic environmental change. This significant archaeological find underscores the rich heritage of the Amazon and enhances our understanding of human history in relation to prehistoric fauna.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
