Archaeological Institute of Mexico asserts the genuine nature of cave paintings unveiled in Puebla
In the heart of Mexico's Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve, a significant archaeological discovery has been made. The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) has confirmed the authenticity of ancient cave paintings found near Santa María Coapan in the municipality of Tehuacán, Puebla.
The site, known as the Canon de las Manitas, consists of four archaeological units named Tinaja I, II, III, and IV. These units extend along the wall of a small canyon, according to INAH. Tinajas I and II, in particular, seem to have been ceremonial spaces for nomadic groups.
Tinaja I features more than 30 representations of hands in negative and positive, made with the stencil technique in white pigment on a black background. Three similar imprints were found in Tinaja II. The abstract figures in Tinajas III and IV were made of hematite (iron oxide) and could possibly represent elements of the worldview of the region's inhabitants.
Initial studies suggest that the cave paintings in Tinajas III and IV are linked to the Mesoamerican Postclassic period (1100-1521 A.D.). INAH investigators used DStretch software to digitally enhance these faint rock art, pictographs, and graffiti, providing valuable insights into the region's ancient culture.
The Canon de las Manitas is not alone in Puebla's rich archaeological landscape. Other sites with cave paintings include the Cave of the Monkeys in Teotlalco and the Cave of the Musicians in San Luis Atolotitlán. The diverse cave systems in the Canon de las Manitas are positioning themselves as a future archaeological and cultural landmark in Puebla.
INAH is cooperating with Santa María Coapan authorities to develop a plan to preserve and protect the Canon de las Manitas site. Reports on the findings were made by La Jornada and El Popular, highlighting the importance of this discovery in understanding the region's pre-Hispanic history.
The region in the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve has been the site of pre-Hispanic monuments. It has also been the scene of fundamental processes in the history of the Americas, including the domestication of plants and seeds and the creation of complex cultural expressions. The latest confirmed find in this area adds another layer to the region's rich history and cultural significance.
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