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Judi Lynn

(162,344 posts)
Wed Mar 13, 2024, 09:19 PM Mar 2024

Archaeologists Find Mysterious Rock Art Likely Made 2,000 Years Ago

Published Mar 13, 2024 at 12:26 PM EDT
Updated Mar 13, 2024 at 7:42 PM EDT

By Aristos Georgiou
Science and Health Reporter

Archaeologists have identified a series of mysterious rock artworks in Brazil, some of which probably date back to around 2,000 years ago.

A team with Brazil's National Historical and Artistic Heritage Institute (IPHAN) identified 16 archaeological sites in the Jalapão region, located in the east of Tocantins state, which is in the center of the country, the Ministry of Culture said in a press release.

The sites feature panels with rock art, which predominantly come in the form of engravings, Rômulo Macêdo, an IPHAN archaeologist who has led recent investigations in the region, told Newsweek. Some of the sites also contain paintings made with red pigments, although these artworks are much smaller in number compared with the engravings.

"Because of the technique and the themes represented, it is likely that the paintings are older than the engravings and that they were made by another cultural group, but further research is needed," Macêdo said.



RÔMULO MACÊDO/IPHAN

Pictured are examples of rock art identified recently in the Jalapão region of Tocantins state in Brazil. It is not clear who made the artworks or what their purpose was.

More:
https://www.newsweek.com/archaeologists-find-mysterious-rock-art-likely-made-2000-years-ago-1878783

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2,000-Year-Old Rock Art Sites Discovered In Jalapão, Brazil
AncientPages.com | March 11, 2024 | Archaeology, News

Jan Bartek - AncientPages.com - Scientists have discovered 16 new archaeological sites while investigating a large area in Jalapão, in the eastern part of the state of Tocantins, Brazil.
2,000-Year-Old Rock Art Sites Discovered In Jalapão, Brazil



Mountains in Jalapão, the state of Tocantins, Brazil. Credit: Adobe Stock - Lucas

The National Historical and Artistic Heritage Institute (Iphan) archaeology team has announced that new archeological sites are believed to contain rock art, including human and animal footprints, engraved symbols, and figures depicting celestial bodies. The press release issued by Brazil's Ministry of Culture suggests these artistic expressions were likely created approximately 2,000 years ago.

Archaeologist Rômulo Mac edo from IPHAN explained that the carved symbols and rock art prominently feature human footprints. Additionally, there are imprints of animals like deer and wild pigs, along with figures that appear to represent celestial bodies.

Tocantins Archaeological Heritage Is Endangered

Recent findings have enriched the archaeological legacy of Tocantins, a state known for its vast potential in archaeological research. The state boasts numerous sites registered by Iphan, many of which are now part of an extensive archaeological complex situated in Jalapão. These areas have evidence of human settlements dating back to 12,000 years ago and contain pre-colonial archaeological sites that were established prior to the arrival of European colonizers.

Additionally, structures related to archaeology from the past are present, highlighting this region's significance as a point of contact between the Amazon Forest and Central Brazil's Cerrado biome.

More:
https://www.ancientpages.com/2024/03/11/rock-art-sites-discovered-jalapao-brazil/

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2,000-YEAR-OLD ROCK ART SITES DISCOVERED IN JALAPÃO, BRAZIL
MARCH 12, 2024 ARCHAEOLOGY WORLD TEAM

Scientists have discovered 16 new archaeological sites while investigating a large area in Jalapão, in the eastern part of the state of Tocantins, Brazil.

The National Historical and Artistic Heritage Institute (Iphan) archaeology team has announced that new archeological sites are believed to contain rock art, including human and animal footprints, engraved symbols, and figures depicting celestial bodies.

The press release issued by Brazil’s Ministry of Culture suggests these artistic expressions were likely created approximately 2,000 years ago.

Archaeologist Rômulo Mac edo from IPHAN explained that the carved symbols and rock art prominently feature human footprints. Additionally, there are imprints of animals like deer and wild pigs, along with figures that appear to represent celestial bodies.

Tocantins Archaeological Heritage Is Endangered
Recent findings have enriched the archaeological legacy of Tocantins, a state known for its vast potential in archaeological research. The state boasts numerous sites registered by Iphan, many of which are now part of an extensive archaeological complex situated in Jalapão.

These areas have evidence of human settlements dating back to 12,000 years ago and contain pre-colonial archaeological sites that were established prior to the arrival of European colonizers.

More:
https://archaeology-world.com/2000-year-old-rock-art-sites-discovered-in-jalapao-brazil/

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