Uncovering South America's Oldest Cave Paintings: A Remarkable Discovery
Explorers unveil the oldest known cave paintings in South America, found in Argentine Patagonia and dating back an astonishing 8,200 years.
Archaeologists in Argentine Patagonia have found the oldest cave paintings in South America, dating back 8,200 years. The 895 paintings were discovered by researchers from Argentina and Chile in the Huenul 1 cave. This cave is a 630 square meter rock shelter situated in Neuquen province, around 1,100 kilometers southwest of Buenos Aires.
Dr. Guadalupe Romero Villanueva, the researcher behind the study published in Science Advances journal, revealed that they were able to date four black peniform patterns created with charcoal. This discovery marks the earliest direct dating of cave paintings in South America.
According to the Argentinean archaeologist, the findings suggest that the creation of cave art in the Huenul cave started approximately 8,000 years ago. Moreover, the consistent presence of the specific pattern in the cave paintings indicates that this artistic practice continued for at least 3,000 years.
A general view of the Huenul 1 cave in Neuquen, Argentina, where scientists found the oldest dated cave art in South America. The art is nearly 8,200 years old. The discovery was made on March 3, 2024.
REUTERS/Miguel Lo Bianco 
The discovery shows that the hunter-gatherer societies in the region during the middle Holocene, around 7,000 to 5,000 years ago, were skilled artists and had a strong cultural connection. It also demonstrates their ability to adapt to changes in the environment and communicate with other groups.
Dated pig painting at Leang Tedongnge
Dated pig painting at Leang Tedongnge
Maxime Aubert
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“We believe these images in particular were created by mobile hunter-gatherer groups who lived in this cave and the desert areas of northern Patagonia. They were responding to a very dry period during the middle Holocene," said Romero Villanueva, a researcher at the National Council for Scientific and Technical Research of Argentina.
Villanueva mentioned that there are other locations in South America that may have older cave paintings. One example is Argentina’s Cueva de las Manos, where the cave paintings are estimated to date back 9,500 years. These sites rely on relative dating methods to determine the age of the artwork.
Editor's P/S:
The discovery of the oldest cave paintings in South America is a testament to the enduring legacy of human creativity and the deep cultural connections that have existed for millennia. These paintings, dating back 8,200 years, offer a glimpse into the lives and beliefs of our ancestors, revealing their artistic skills and their deep connection to their environment. The presence of specific patterns in the paintings suggests a shared artistic tradition that continued for centuries, showcasing the continuity and resilience of human cultural practices.
This discovery also highlights the importance of preserving these ancient artifacts and protecting the archaeological sites where they are found. These paintings provide invaluable insights into our shared human history, and it is crucial that we ensure their preservation for future generations. Ongoing research and exploration will undoubtedly uncover more such treasures, further enriching our understanding of the artistic traditions and cultural heritage of the ancient peoples who inhabited this region.
