Wow, this is a beauty! #Colombian #Indigenous elders explain some ancient #rockart to #archaeologists.

'Painted in vibrant ochre pigments, the high diversity of animal motifs—the artwork ranges from taxonomically specific to quite ambiguous, often showing a fluidity between humans and animals—holds key information for how those in the Amazon understood the world around them.

As archaeologists have studied in the area for the past six years, recently work turned to six of the artistic panels at the Cerro Azul outcrop. Speaking in Spanish and the Indigenous languages of Desana, Tukano, and Nukak, elders told archaeologists how the idea of transformation was a key theme throughout the art, including humans morphing into birds, sloths, lizards, and snakes.

Any time an animal appears in a non-realistic state, such as a panther drawn with two heads, they depict the spiritual world, Tukano-speaking Ismael Sierra said. A Desana elder told the team spirits themselves drew the art because of how high up in the rocks some of the art was.'

popularmechanics.com/science/a…

The Broader Push to Rewrite #History.

Israel's assault on #Palestinian #heritage goes beyond fabricated #archaeological narratives—it’s a #systematic effort to erase history and consolidate control. Here are more key aspects of the campaign:

#Looting of #WestBank #Antiquities :

For decades, #Israel has #exploited the occupied territories' rich archaeological sites, #smuggling thousands of #artifacts to build its #colonial narrative. The new bill seeks to #institutionalize this #theft, granting #extremist officials unchecked authority over excavation and #HeritagePreservation in Palestinian areas.

The Role of the Israeli Antiquities Authority:

Under the guise of #AcademicResearch, the #IsraeliAntiquitiesAuthority frequently removes artifacts from the West Bank, exhibiting them in Israeli #museums without acknowledging their Palestinian origins. This process not only strips Palestinians of their #cultural history but also bolsters Israel’s claim to the land.

Settler-Led Excavations:

Settler organizations like #Elad are at the forefront of #illegal excavations, particularly in East #Jerusalem. These digs disrupt Palestinian neighborhoods, displace families, and create #tourist sites glorifying biblical narratives while erasing the #multicultural history of the region.

Linking Settlements to #BiblicalClaims:

Israeli settlement expansion is increasingly tied to archaeological claims. By declaring areas with supposed biblical significance, such as #Hebron or #Shiloh as part of #Jewish heritage, the #llegalOccupation justifies #annexation and denies Palestinians access to their land.

The International Fallout:

Despite warnings from Israeli #archaeologists and global institutions, the government continues its #unilateral moves. If the bill passes, Israel risks severe isolation, as #CulturalTheft violates international conventions, including #UNESCO protection of #CulturalHeritage during conflicts.

These moves are not just an assault on history—they are an extension of the colonial project, reshaping the narrative to legitimize an occupation that erases Palestinian identity. The stakes go beyond antiquities; they encompass the right of a people to their past, present, and future.

Full article by Alaa Al-Lami:
al-akhbar.com/Culture_People/3…

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