Prehistoric Carvings Unlock the Mysteries of Ancient Animal Behavior

In the rugged landscapes of the Doro Nawas Mountains in western Namibia, a remarkable archaeological discovery has shed light on the intricacies of prehistoric life. A team of researchers from the Heinrich Barth Institute, the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg in Germany, and the Nyae Nyae Conservancy in Namibia embarked on a journey into the heart of Indigenous knowledge, collaborating with local tracking experts from the Kalahari region.

Their mission: to decipher the mysteries behind 513 meticulously carved animal footprints etched into the rocks of this remote region. What they uncovered was nothing short of astounding—these ancient carvings not only preserved the memory of long-lost creatures but also provided insights into their sex, age, and species.

A Wildlife Compendium in Stone

The carvings, found in a collection of caves, were executed with such precision that they seemed to encapsulate a prehistoric wildlife compendium. More than 90% of these etchings yielded invaluable information. Indigenous experts, drawing upon their traditional tracking knowledge, could identify the species, sex, age group, and even discern which leg the carving represented. It was as though these ancient artists had meticulously documented the animal kingdom's diverse inhabitants in stone.

Footprints categorized by the researchers. (Lenssen-Erz et al., PLOS ONE, 2023)

Indigenous Knowledge as an Archaeological Key

In a published paper, the researchers emphasize the importance of Indigenous knowledge in advancing archaeological research. They acknowledge the profound insights that Indigenous experts brought to the study, underscoring the capacity of such knowledge to unlock the secrets of the past. The tracking experts consulted for this research had previously been involved in other studies of ancient rock art. Their contributions were invaluable in deciphering the enigmatic carvings.

The Puzzle of Ancient Footprints

While the accuracy of these prehistoric carvings is undeniable, the question remains: why did the artists of ancient times go to such lengths to record these tracks? One prevailing theory suggests that these carvings may have served as teaching aids. However, the conditions in which some of the engravings were placed—such as the darkness of the caves and the height at which they're found—cast doubt on this hypothesis. The true purpose behind these rock carvings remains shrouded in mystery.

Artistic Preferences and Unusual Omissions

Interestingly, the engravings reveal the artistic preferences of their creators. The ancient engravers displayed a penchant for certain types of animals, including giraffes, rhinos, and leopards. They were also more inclined to depict fully grown adults rather than juveniles, and males rather than females. The presence of human footprints in these rock galleries surpasses that of similar sites, with most of them being of juveniles. Curiously, domestic animals and reptiles are conspicuously absent from these ancient canvases.

Human figures were also included in the engravings. (Lenssen-Erz et al., PLOS ONE, 2023)

A Glimpse into the Past

These carvings date back to the Late Stone Age, spanning a period of roughly 50,000 years. While some of the animals depicted still inhabit the region today, others have disappeared, offering tantalizing hints about how the area's climate has evolved over time. Although interpreting cave art can be challenging without direct insight from the ancient engravers themselves, these etchings provide a precious window into the past. They offer glimpses of a time when human society coexisted with the enigmatic creatures that once roamed the land.

Complex Meanings and Ethnographic Insights

In their conclusion, the researchers assert that these engravings are endowed with complex meanings. To truly understand and appreciate these meanings, future research must draw upon ethnographic data and Indigenous knowledge. The intersection of ancient art and Indigenous wisdom holds the potential to uncover even more secrets from our distant past.

In essence, the discovery of these prehistoric carvings in the Doro Nawas Mountains not only showcases the remarkable accuracy of the art but also highlights the invaluable role of Indigenous knowledge in unlocking the mysteries of our shared history. These ancient etchings serve as a testament to the enduring connection between humans and the natural world, bridging the gap between our ancestors and the wildlife that once roamed the land.