Cueva de las Manos

The Cueva de las Manos, an archaeological site in Argentina, stands as an emblematic testament to ancient human creativity. Located in the province of Santa Cruz, this prehistoric cave is renowned for its collection of rock art, notably the stenciled outlines of human hands that date back around 9,000 years.

The cave's name, which translates to "Cave of the Hands," is derived from the paintings of hands that adorn its walls. These images are often negative handprints, created by blowing pigment over a hand placed against the rock surface. The cave also features depictions of animals, hunting scenes, and geometric shapes, providing valuable insights into the life and beliefs of the region's early inhabitants.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cueva de las Manos is not only a cultural treasure but also an important archaeological record of the hunter-gatherer societies that once thrived in Patagonia. The art is remarkably well-preserved, owing to the dry climate and the cave's remote location, which has protected it from the ravages of time and human interference.