Revisiting Puerto Rican History through Ancient Cave Art
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A groundbreaking study of ancient cave paintings in Puerto Rico has revealed a new timeline of precolonial cultures on the archipelago. The research, conducted by archaeologist Reniel Rodríguez Ramos and geophysicist Angel A. Acosta-Colon, uncovered some of the oldest pictographs dating back to between 740BC and 400BC. This discovery challenges the previous belief that rock art in Puerto Rico began after 600AD, shedding light on the existence of human activity in the region for thousands of years prior to Spanish colonization.
The study not only rewrites the history of precolonial cultures in Puerto Rico but also highlights the continuity of rock art creation even after colonization. Some of the most recent pictographs sampled date back to the 18th century, with intriguing images like a lion drawing possibly created by an enslaved African brought to the island. The research reveals a rich tapestry of imagery, including animals like stingrays and lizards, as well as anthropomorphic and supernatural elements.
Using organic pigments, the researchers were able to accurately date the pictographs through radiocarbon dating, shedding light on the varied timelines of rock art creation in the region. This groundbreaking research paves the way for further exploration of heritage sites in the Caribbean and emphasizes the importance of preserving these invaluable cultural treasures for future generations.
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Elara Voss, graduated from the Royal College of Art in London with a Master’s in Fine Art. She specializes in contemporary sculpture and installation art, exploring themes of nature and human interaction. Elara’s works have been featured in several group exhibitions across Europe, and she is currently working on her first solo show.