My sterious works of art on rock in the Mexican desert
This archaeological site was first discovered by scientists in the 1960s, and studied many years later, but still remains a place of many mysteries for archaeologists. One of the mysteries that researchers have yet to uncover is the purpose of these rock drawings. In addition, who is the one who draws (carves) on the stone is also a question that has yet to find an answer. Boca de Potrerillos means "mouth of Potrerillos", because this area is located on the entrance of the Potrerillos canyon. This area is located between the two mountains El Antrisco and La Zorra, forming the entrance between the two cliffs. The name was given in the 19th century, and at this time a vineyard was built here under the name Boca de Potrerillos. Today, the Boca de Potrerillos is located in the middle of the desert landscape, up to 6 km2 wide. Many studies show that, many times ago this place had a less harsher climate than today, and it is possible that people used to live here in those periods. However, scientists believe that people of that period may have been nomadic, because there are no signs of settlement life here in archaeological records. Here, a number of artifacts have been excavated such as spear tip, vase ... and some stone slabs to make an oven.The most impressive archaeological discovery in Boca de Potrerillos is the art of painting (carving) on stone. Scientists first discovered this place in 1963, discovered by María Antonieta Espejo, an expert at the National Institute of Archeology and History in Mexico. Then, in the 1980s and 1990s, this area continued to be studied, by the National Institute of Archeology and History in Mexico in collaboration with the University of Austin Texas. In 1995, this area was officially opened to visit and became a famous tourist destination of Mexico. Most of the paintings here are painted on rocks, a few are painted. Areas with stony paintings are mostly found in the eastern part of the El Antrisco and La Zorra ranges, with around 4,000 works (some sources claim between 8-10,000 paintings). About 80% of these paintings show abstract geometries. The rest describe natural elements such as rain, stars, and the sun. This suggests that the creators of the drawings may be related to a cult of nature. Some other paintings show magicians, trees, animals and objects. This shows that pictures can be recorded rituals or activities in the lives of people at that time.Another explanation of these rock paintings is that they are for astronomical purposes, because they were made to the east, towards the sun. The knowledge in the paintings is used for hunting and gathering in everyday life. The researchers showed that the knowledge in the pictures related to the poles, lunar eclipses and passing comets. Until now, the author of these stone carvings is still a mysterious question for scientists. Previously, when the area was still a Spanish colony, the Spanish authorities, although there were detailed reports on the indigenous peoples of Mexico, did not mention any culture. Any major intelligence in their colonial region. However, many believe that the rock art in the Boca de Potrerillos was created by the Coahuiltecans, hunter-gatherer nomads who live in areas south of Texas and northeastern Mexico.There are also other theories that claim that the authors of these stone paintings are indigenous peoples of the Americas with their own distinctive culture, such as the Aztecs, Comanches, or Chichimecs. However, there is no concrete evidence for these hypotheses. Boca de Potrerillos is a site of great significance not only for archeology, but also for culture, heritage and tourism for Mexico. This place has also been included in the list of World Natural Heritage by UNESCO. Not only protected by mesh fences and natural stone, Boca de Potrerillos also has the participation of local people to protect. Today, the Boca de Potrerillos is an attractive tourist spot open to the public, but only a small portion of this area. The remainder is tightly guarded from the negative effects of tourism and modern life, and to continue other extensive archaeological excavations. The world still wants to find answers to the mysteries of the Boca de Potrerillos.
