Guitarrero Cave facts for kids
Guitarrero Cave
|
|
 Location in Peru
|
|
| Location | Yungay Province, Ancash Region, Peru |
|---|---|
| Region | Andes |
| Coordinates | 9°12′02″S 77°42′35″W / 09.200573°S 77.709712°W |
| History | |
| Periods | Archaic, Early and Middle Horizon |
The Guitarrero Cave is an important ancient site in Peru. It is located in the Callejón de Huaylas valley, in the Yungay Province of the Ancash region. The cave sits about 50 meters (164 feet) above the Santa River. It is also very high up, at 2,580 meters (8,465 feet) above sea level.
Discovering Guitarrero Cave's Past
Archaeologists have found amazing evidence that people lived in Guitarrero Cave a very long time ago. They believe humans used the cave around 8,000 BCE. Some findings even suggest people might have been there as early as 10,560 BCE. For example, a human jawbone and teeth found in the cave were carbon dated to 10,610 BCE. This means they are over 12,000 years old!
Above these very old layers, archaeologists found signs of campfires from a time called the Archaic period. These campfires date back to between 8,500 and 7,000 BCE. Many interesting items were found from this time. These include tools made from wood, bone, and animal antlers. They also found strong ropes made from plant fibers. Other discoveries include special arrowheads and spear points. These points were shaped like willow leaves or had a unique base. A stone for grinding food and a bone tool for preparing animal hides were also found.
Later on, between about 1000 BCE and 1000 CE, the cave was used again. During this time, known as the Early and Middle Horizon, people built stone tombs inside the cave. They also created wall paintings, which give us clues about their lives.
In the 1960s, archaeologists made incredible discoveries at Guitarrero Cave. They found artifacts that were perfectly preserved. This is very rare for such old items. Things like textiles (cloth), wooden tools, leather items, and woven baskets were found in great condition. This amazing preservation helps us learn a lot about how ancient people lived.
Scientists have also found some of the earliest signs of domesticated plants here. These include beans, chili peppers, and corn. This shows that people in this area were among the first to start farming. The fiber items found in the cave are over ten thousand years old. They are the oldest fiber crafts ever found in South America. These items include useful containers made by twisting and knotting plant fibers. Some experts believe the people of Guitarrero Cave might be the ancestors of the later Chavín culture.
Early Cultivated Plants
Guitarrero Cave is famous for having some of the earliest cultivated plants in South America. These are plants that ancient people grew on purpose for food. Here are some of the important plants found there and when they first appeared:
- Ají pepper (Capsicum baccatum): First found in Guitarrero Cave around 8,500 BCE.
- Oca (Oxalis tuberosa): This root vegetable first appeared between 8,500 and 7,500 BCE.
- Ají (Capsicum chinense): Another type of chili pepper, found from 8,000 to 7,500 BCE.
- Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris): One of the earliest beans, appearing between 8,000 and 7,500 BCE.
- Pallar bean (Phaseolus lunatus): Another type of bean, also found from 8,000 to 7,500 BCE.
- Lúcuma (Lucuma bifera): A sweet fruit, first found between 8,000 and 5,500 BCE.
- Ulluku (Ullucus tuberosus): This root vegetable was first found at another cave in Peru around 6,000 BCE. It then appeared at Guitarrero Cave around 5,500 BCE.
- Zapallo (Cucurbita sp.): A type of squash or pumpkin, first found around 7,000 BCE.
- Maize or corn (Zea mays): Possible early traces of corn were found from 6,200 BCE, but it's not fully confirmed. Corn has been clearly identified in other parts of Peru as early as 4,400 and 3,100 BCE.
See also
In Spanish: Cueva del Guitarrero para niños
