Discovering Petroglyphs Alongside Dinosaur Tracks in Brazil: Archaeological Findings
[ad_1]
Archaeologists in northeastern Brazil have discovered a fascinating connection between human-made petroglyphs and fossilized dinosaur footprints from the Early Cretaceous Period. The rock art, found in Paraíba state, was specifically created around the 100-million-year-old tracks with care not to disturb them. The meaning behind this deliberate act remains a mystery.
The petroglyphs, located at the Serrote do Letreiro Site in Vale dos Dinossauros Natural Monument, feature circular, abstract motifs dating back between 2,620 and 9,400 years ago. The researchers found no overlap between the inscriptions and the footprints, suggesting thoughtful consideration by the creators.
The area also contains various dinosaur footprints, including those of theropods, sauropods, and iguanodontia. While the rock art creators likely believed the footprints to be made by large flightless birds, the connection between human graphic expression and the fossil record is truly unique in this case.
Similar examples of humans creating rock art around dinosaur footprints have been found in other parts of the world, but the closeness of the relationship between the petroglyphs and footprints at Serrote do Letreiro is unparalleled. This discovery highlights a symbolic connection between ancient human expression and the prehistoric record.
[ad_2]
Source
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.