South America's Rock Art Could Have Marked Territory
South America's Rock Art Could Have Marked Territory
June 5, 2024, a Wednesday
London, United Kingdom —A recent analysis of rock engravings near the Atures Rapids on the Orinoco River in Colombia and Venezuela indicates that they might have been used to transmit territorial borders more than 2,000 years ago, according to a statement issued by Antiquity. Drone imagery was used by Philip Riris of Bournemouth University and his associates, in collaboration with local guides, to map artworks at 14 sites throughout the river basin.
While some of these rock art locations were found during the research, others were already known to exist. The pictures, which feature representations of snakes longer than 130 feet, are similar to designs found on ceramics found nearby. According to Riris, "we know that anacondas and boas are seen as lethal beings that can kill people and large animals, in addition to being associated with the creator deity of some of the Indigenous groups in the region." José Oliver, a University College London team member, pointed out that this section of the river served as a vital commercial route and a hub for local communities.
The researchers propose that there would have been abundant visibility for the monumental artworks. Since snakes are typically seen as highly menacing, Riris said, "the locations of the rock art may indicate that these are areas where you should exercise caution." See the scientific article published in Antiquity that originally described this study. Visit "World Roundup: Venezuela" to learn about further
Source archaeology.org
rock art found around the Atures Rapids.
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