Lost carvings of ‘celestial bodies’ found on rocky cliffs after 2,000 years as experts say they have ‘important’ meaning
STUNNING ancient carvings of celestial bodies and animals have been discovered on cliffs in Brazil.
They’re said to date back 2,000 years and depict a variety of things including celestial figures, wild pigs, and footprints.
The discovery was made in Jalapão State Park in Brazil, according to Live Science.
During the three expeditions, researchers from Brazil’s National Institute of Historic and Artistic Heritage found 16 sites.
“This proximity suggests a possible connection between the sites and clarifies settlement patterns of the ancient communities that inhabited the region,” lead archaeologist Rômulo Macêdo told Live Science.
The paintings therefore helped researchers understand the layout of the ancient community.
Red paintings were also found at the site but are said to be older than the carvings.
This could potentially mean they were painted by a different cultural group.
It’s thought the precolonial Indigenous peoples of Jalapão created the carvings.
No carvings from this group have been found until now, according to Live Science.
This makes the discovery extremely important in finding out more about this lesser-known culture.
It’s thought stone tools and ceramic artifacts found at the site were used to create the carvings.
What the rock art means is still a mystery but researchers think it could have spiritual significance.
“Further analysis of rock art and archaeological excavations at the sites will provide new information about the way of life and spirituality of these Indigenous groups,” Macêdo told Live Science.
Despite the rare rock art, Jalapão State Park is said to be under threat of vandalism, deforestation, and erosion.
The National Institute of Historic and Artistic Heritage is said to be teaming up with research institutions to protect the area.