by KIKE CALVO
The rock art explored by archaeologists in the Colombian Amazon provides a fascinating glimpse into the complex relationship between the earliest settlers and the animals they encountered. These ochre paintings, located on the rocky outcrop of Cerro Azul in the Serranía de la Lindosa, depict a variety of animal species and human-animal transformations, highlighting the rich mythology that guided indigenous Amazonians.
1. Ancient Art and Human Activity: The rock art, though yet to be accurately dated, is associated with human activity that dates back to as far as 10,500 BC. The research team, led by experts from the University of Exeter, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, and the Universidad Nacional de Colombia, combined zooarchaeological analysis of animal remains with the study of artistic depictions.
2. Diverse Diet and Artistic Representation: The analysis of animal remains from nearby excavations revealed a diverse diet, including fish, mammals, and reptiles like turtles, snakes, and crocodiles. Interestingly, the proportions of animal bones did not match their representation in the art, suggesting the paintings were more than just records of dietary habits.
3. Insight into Indigenous Life: Dr. Mark Robinson, Associate Professor of Archaeology at Exeter, emphasized that the art provides insight into how the first settlers understood their world and formed relationships with animals, both as food sources and revered beings with supernatural connections.
4. Significant Rock Art Sites: The documentation of several rock art sites in the region became possible after the 2016 peace agreement between the Colombian government and FARC. Cerro Azul, near the Guayabero River, features 16 panels of ochre drawings, some accessible only through strenuous climbing.
5. Detailed Study of Six Panels: The research team focused on six panels, cataloging 3,223 images using drone photogrammetry and traditional photography. These images, mostly figurative, depicted at least 22 different animals, including deer, birds, peccary, lizards, turtles, and tapir.
6. Myths and Cosmology: Professor Jose Iriarte from Exeter noted that the differences between what was exploited for food and what was represented in art offer greater nuance to understanding the power of myths in indigenous communities. The images reveal complex cosmological aspects of Amazonian life, including taboos and supernatural negotiations.
Curious Facts About Other Locations in Colombia:
- San Agustín Archaeological Park: Home to the largest group of religious monuments and megalithic sculptures in South America.
- Tierradentro: Known for its elaborate underground tombs dating back to the 6th century AD.
- Ciudad Perdida: An ancient city believed to have been founded around 800 AD, predating Machu Picchu by several centuries.
By understanding these ancient depictions, we gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate connections between the early Amazonians and their environment. The study not only sheds light on their subsistence strategies but also on their cultural and spiritual lives, painting a comprehensive picture of the Amazon’s first settlers.
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Source: University of Exeter. “Rock art and archaeological record reveal man’s complex relationship with Amazonian animals.” Published in the Journal of Anthropological Archaeology. DOI: 10.1016/j.jaa.2024.101613.
Photos University of Exeter.
