British and Colombian archaeologists and anthropologists have explored a section of a massive series of frescoes that stretch approximately 13 kilometers across rock formations at the archaeological site of Serranía de la Lindosa. This astonishing gallery, located in the Colombian Amazon, was discovered by researchers four years ago. Its countless diverse scenes, painted with ochre 12,500 years ago, provide a glimpse into the lives of the first inhabitants of South America.
On the Cerro Azul hill, scientists closely examined six panels, ranging from one that measures 40 by 10 meters and contains over 1,000 images to a much smaller panel covering 60 square meters with 244 drawings.
“These rock paintings are the earliest evidence of human presence in western Amazonia,” noted Mark Robinson, a co-author of the study from the University of Exeter (UK).
What Scientists Discovered
The study of this ancient gallery has been quite challenging from the start, requiring strenuous climbing. The team utilized drones and traditional photography, as reported by the Independent. Ultimately, the researchers documented over 3,200 images that shed light on the daily lives of ancient Amazonians. They uncovered numerous secrets related to various aspects of their existence, from mythology to diet.
The researchers identified at least 22 species of animals depicted in the rock paintings. Among them were deer, birds, lizards, snakes, turtles, bats, spiders, sloths, monkeys, caimans, porcupines, tapirs, and more. The frescoes also featured mythological scenes of people transforming into animals and vice versa. Beliefs in such transformations still exist in modern Amazonian communities.
The ancient gallery also introduced scientists to the activities of the continent’s first inhabitants, primarily hunting and fishing.
Additionally, the researchers examined animal remains found near the giant gallery and compared them to the creatures depicted in the rock art. They discovered that the diet of ancient people was remarkably diverse, including fish, various small and large mammals, as well as reptiles such as turtles, snakes, and crocodiles.
Although the excavations yielded a large number of fish skeletons, their artistic representations were limited to just two panels.
Interestingly, large cats were almost absent from the scenes depicted in the rock panels, despite their revered status as apex predators in ancient Amazonia.
“The context demonstrates the complexity of the Amazonians’ relationships with animals, both as a food source and as respected beings with supernatural abilities,” Dr. Robinson remarked.
“The Amazonians had a deep understanding of the various environments in the region and possessed the skills to track and hunt animals, as well as gather plants; thus, they ensured their food supply,” summarized Javier Aceituno, a co-author of the study from Medellín (Colombia).
The findings of the research were published in the Journal of Anthropological Archaeology.