New Rock Art Site Complex in the Arauák River Valley, Southeastern VenezuelaSource: Pérez–Gómez, J. M., & Roger Swidorowicz (2023). New rock art site complex in the Arauák River Valley, southeastern Venezuela. Rock Art Research, 40(2), 131-144.Date: October 26, 2023Prepared for:Executive Summary:This document summarizes the key findings of a recent study detailing a newly discovered rock art site complex in the Arauák River Valley, southeastern Venezuela. The research focuses on a prominent isolated boulder near Upuigma Tepui, featuring numerous pictograms, and briefly presents newly found petroglyphs in the same regional context. The paper explores the potential use of the boulder as a shelter and ritual space by indigenous hunter-gatherers, provides a preliminary stylistic analysis suggesting regional interrelationships, and identifies a possible source for the red ochre used in the paintings. The authors emphasize the need for further systematic research to understand the chronology and sociocultural context of these sites and advocate for their protection as valuable heritage.Main Themes and Important Ideas/Facts:- Discovery of a Significant Pictogram Site:- The primary focus is an isolated boulder in the Arauák River Valley containing extensive Amerindian rock art in the form of pictograms.- The boulder is located on the slopes of Upuigma Tepui, within a landscape characterized by tepuis (flat-topped mountains), rainforest, and savannahs. The authors note that the "remarkable geographical characteristics of these mountains are likely to have had a significant phenomenological impact on the cultural perception and environmental interpretation of the nearby human groups."- A walking survey revealed the boulder's strategic location, flanked by ravines and near a freshwater spring. A ferrous outcrop, potentially the source of red ochre, was found nearby.- The boulder offers "a privileged position over the landscape, affording generous access from and magnificent views over the savannah while at the same time highlighting impressive mountain views."- The boulder also acts as a watershed between the Arauák and Aparuren Rivers, potentially placing it at the center of a natural walkthrough for game migration.- Description of the Pictogram Panels:- The researchers identified and documented several panels on the boulder, including the "principal panel," "yellow panel," "shelter panel," "aerial panel," "leaf," "mineral accretion panel," and "circles."- "Principal Panel": Features mostly finger-marked pictograms in the red-orange range, with many superimposed motifs. Non-figurative motifs dominate, such as "dot patterns, penniforms, tectiforms, cruciforms, claviforms, pectiforms, scalariforms and geometric motifs representing quadrangles and triangles." A historic graffito from 1947 was also found here.- "Yellow Panel": Located on a detached rock, displaying similar finger-marked techniques with some darker red-orange hues, possibly due to ochre decay. Superimposition is evident, suggesting a "sequence of production over time." A labyrinth-like geometric figure is a notable motif.- "Shelter Panel": Situated within a natural shelter area with soot marks (suggesting campfires), this panel also features finger-marked pictograms, including "a few anthropomorphs, dot patterns, serpentiforms, claviforms, cruciforms, tectiforms, pectiforms and ‘Y’ forms." A "therianthrope characteristic" motif was also found.- "Aerial Panel": A small, high panel accessible only by climbing, exhibiting excellent preservation, possibly due to its protected location. Motifs include "dot patterns, scalariforms, tectiforms, half circles, penniforms and cruciforms."- "Leaf": A distinctive phytomorph motif, possibly representing a plant, feather, or lines, located on a high point.- "Mineral Accretion Panel": Pictograms are largely obscured by mineral accretions, which could be valuable for future dating.- "Circles": Features circles, dot patterns, and "plant" motifs. Superimposition and mineral accretion are present.- Graphic documentation involved photography and computer enhancement using Photoshop and DStretch to maximize visibility and digitally trace motifs.- Preliminary Stylistic Analysis and Regional Interrelationships:- The observed pictogram styles are similar to others in the Bolivar state region and the broader regional context, including Brazil and the Guianas. The authors cite numerous previous studies supporting this.- The dominance of non-figurative motifs aligns with findings from other parts of Venezuela and northern South America.- The study presents a preliminary typology and distribution of signs found on the boulder panels, with "claviforms (30.96%), dot patterns (17.8%), penniforms (8.02%), ‘Y’ signs (6.7%) and tectiforms (5.96%)" being the most prominent.- The authors note that while precise meanings are unknown, these signs "seem to offer insight into the cognitive abilities and beliefs of the ...
