Rock art discovered in the Amazon rainforest illustrates early human life alongside extinct Ice Age animals. Created between 11,800 and 12,600 years ago, this significant find includes images of mastodons, giant sloths, and various geometric designs. The research, conducted by experts from Colombian and UK universities, provides fascinating insight into ancient cultures amid climate change that transformed the Amazon’s ecosystem.
Recent discoveries of rock art in the Amazon rainforest depict the ancient lives of humans who coexisted with immense Ice Age creatures. These artworks, believed to have been created between 11,800 and 12,600 years ago during the waning phase of the last Ice Age, were uncovered in three rock shelters located in the northern region of the Colombian Amazon. Although the excavations were conducted in 2017 and 2018, the findings have only recently been published. The extensive collection of paintings includes representations of extinct species, such as mastodons—a prehistoric relative of modern elephants—giant sloths, and Ice Age horses. Alongside these notable creatures, the artworks also feature geometric designs, human figures, handprints, hunting scenarios, and various animals like snakes and birds. The captivating red pigments used in these paintings were derived from ground ochre, marking this discovery as one of the most significant assemblages of rock art in South America. This research was collaboratively undertaken by researchers affiliated with the National University of Colombia, the University of Antioquia, and the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom. José Iriarte from the University of Exeter emphasized the significance of these images, stating they portray how ancient peoples lived in proximity to now-extinct animals that they hunted. Mark Robinson, another colleague, commented that these artworks provide an “exciting glimpse” into the lives of the earliest inhabitants of western Amazonia, who adapted to extreme climate changes that were altering the forest’s ecology during the transition to the modern tropical environment.
The Amazon rainforest is known for its rich biodiversity and historical significance, serving as a habitat for numerous species, some of which have been lost over time. The ancient inhabitants of this region left behind unique forms of expression in the form of rock art, which offer invaluable insights into their lives and the ecosystems they navigated. The uncovering of these artworks contributes to our understanding of human history and the impact of climatic changes on ancient populations and environments, particularly during radical shifts such as the end of the Ice Age.
In conclusion, the recent research into the Amazon rainforest’s rock art reveals an extraordinary intersection of human life and extinct megafauna during a pivotal climatic transition. The discovery of these ancient artworks not only serves to educate us about the early inhabitants’ experience and adaptability but also highlights the ongoing transformation of the Amazonian landscape, further enriching our understanding of this remarkable ecological region.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
