Oldest Pigment-Based Cave Art in South America Discovered in Patagonia

Dating back 8,200 years, the art provides insights into early human communication and cultural preservation.

An international team of scientists has discovered that cave art in Patagonia, Argentina, dating back to 8,200 years ago, is the oldest pigment-based cave art found in South America.
The cave art at the Cueva Huenul 1 site includes nearly 900 paintings depicting human figures, animals, and abstract designs, with a mysterious comblike pattern recurring over thousands of years.
Radiocarbon dating of the plant-based pigment used in the art revealed its age, marking a significant advancement in understanding the region's prehistoric inhabitants.
The discovery suggests that the cave art served as a means of communication and cultural preservation among early human societies in Patagonia during challenging climatic conditions.
Researchers believe the art reflects the resilience and adaptability of these ancient communities, potentially providing insights into their social networks and strategies for survival.