Ancient cave paintings found in central Peru

The president of the Cave Art Peruvian Association, Gori Echevarria reported on Thursday the finding of cave paintings depicting humans, animals and geometric figures (circa 8-12,000 years old) in the province of Churcampa, located in the country's central Huancavelica region. 

Echevarria said six cave paintings were identified in a 20-meter stone wall in the last days which depict humans in hunting positions. 

Said “Quilcas”, which is the native name for this art form, are red, white and black and will be at least 8 to 12,000 years old, the archaeologist told Andina news agency. 

“This finding confirms the great cognitive development of ancient Peru and establishes a reference its pictorial tradition. Most important is the variation and extension of the motifs and scenes,” he said. 

The cave in which said paintings were found is located at some 3,200 meters above sea level in Torongana mountain. 

Source: Andina [December 29, 2011]