Prehistoric caves found in Salto

Caves containing evidence of prehistoric human dwellers were found in Salto by a team of Uruguayan scientists. They are thought to be the most ancient in the continent. “An archaeological site was found approximately 200 km North-west of the town of Salto (500 km North-west of Montevideo), with a number of unprecedented archaeological findings”, archaeologist Mario Trindade, Director of the Museum of Archaeology and Natural Science of Salto and one of the leading members of the research team, told AFP. Scientists have been doing research on four of the ten caves found.

According to Trindade, even though the carbon tests have not been carried out yet, the caves are believed to have been inhabited 10,000 years ago. Excavations have been planned to start in late November. “Each of the caves was found to contain lithic artifacts, therefore their dwellers possessed lithic technology.

Quarries were found as well, some near the caves and others farther away, which means raw material transportation and migratory processes were carried out”, added Trindade. “These findings reveal migratory routes with regular temporary settlements”, stated Trindade. He went on to add that the caves show “soot stains, a sign that fires would have been lit inside”.

Full story and link can be found at:

http://www.uruguaydailynews.com/news.php?viewStory=3833

Tags: Archaeology, prehistoric, scientists