Cueva de las Manos, translated as “Cave of the Hands,” is a cave and complex of rock art sites located in the province of Santa Cruz, Argentina. This site is renowned for its extensive collection of prehistoric rock art, particularly the hundreds of paintings of hands stenciled in multiple collages on the rock walls.
Location and Accessibility
The cave is situated in the valley of the Pinturas River, within the Cañón de Río Pinturas, a remote and spectacular region of Argentine Patagonia. It is approximately 163 kilometers south of the town of Perito Moreno and can be accessed via a gravel road or through guided tours and hiking trails.
Art and Significance
The rock art at Cueva de las Manos was created in several waves between 7,300 BC and 700 AD, during the Archaic period of pre-Columbian South America. This period saw the production of some of the oldest-known cave paintings in South America. The artwork includes not only the iconic handprints but also depictions of animals such as guanacos, rheas, and pumas, as well as hunting scenes and geometric shapes. The handprints, which are predominantly of left hands, were created using a stencil technique where paint was blown through bone-made pipes around the hand placed against the rock face.
Dating and Preservation
The age of the paintings was determined through various methods, including the analysis of remains of bone pipes used for spraying paint, radiocarbon dating of the artwork, and stratigraphic dating. These methods have helped establish the chronological sequence of the art and its association with different cultural levels at the site. The authenticity of the rock art is unquestionable, having survived several millennia without significant restoration or disturbance.
Cultural and Historical Context
The artists responsible for the paintings are believed to be the ancestors of the historic hunter-gatherer communities of Patagonia, such as the Tehuelche people. The artwork provides valuable insights into the lives and practices of these prehistoric communities, including their hunting techniques, food sources, and possibly their ritual and mythic narratives.
Recognition and Conservation
Cueva de las Manos was declared a National Historic Monument in Argentina in 1993 and was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 due to its cultural, historic, and scientific significance. The site has been the subject of extensive studies and conservation efforts to ensure its protection and management.
Visitation and Tourism
Visitors can reach the cave via a guided tour or by driving along the gravel road from Perito Moreno. The site offers a unique opportunity to explore one of the most significant examples of prehistoric rock art in the Americas, with guided tours available to enhance the understanding and appreciation of this ancient artwork.
