Pedra Pintada

Pedra Pintada is a rock located in Brazil on the territory of San Markush ( Indian reservation ) in the state of Roraima, while this place is one of the important archaeological sites in northern Brazil. The rock is famous for the cave paintings that the Paleo-Indians left more than 11 thousand years ago.

History of Archeology Monument

The study of Pedra Pintada was carried out by a professor of anthropology and an archaeologist, American – Anna Kertenius Roosevelt. The main works were carried out from 1900 to 1992, with the support of the University of Illiions in Chicago, where Anna Roosevelt and the Field Museum worked. It was thanks to the archaeological work carried out in the 90s of the last century that it was possible to establish that the Amazon basin was inhabited much earlier than anticipated before. The rock itself was formed about 11 thousand years ago. The lower levels of Pedra Pintad were investigated by the thermoluminescent method.

What to see

This Pedra Pintada rock is one of the most visited places in Roraime State by tourists.  Pedra Pintada is located in the state park of Monte Alegre, which was founded in 2001. The most interesting on the territory of the rock, in addition to the magnificent view at its tops are drawings, among which you can recognize:

• children's, women's and men's figures;
• palm tree;
• scenes from everyday life and hunting.

But many samples of cave paintings still put scientists at an impasse when trying to decipher them.

In addition to painting, ancient objects were discovered on the rock, among which are:

• ceramic shards;
• axes and tips for copies;
• dyes for drawings;
• skeletons of animals and fish;
• traces of seeds.

It was thanks to these findings that scientists concluded that the Paleo-Indians were hunter-gatherers. Lithium was also discovered in the caves of the Pedra Pintad rock.

How to get there

Boa Vista is the city closest to the rock. From it, to the national landmark of Brazil, you can take a private car along the BR-174 road, towards the northwest, while the trip will take about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Another option is to take a group tour, which is organized by most guides and travel agencies working in Boa Vista.

Important! Due to the fact that the attraction is located on the territory of the Indian reservation, permission to visit Pedra Pintad is required. FUNAI ( permission from the national Indians Foundation ) is visible.