O Brasil desconhecido: as pinturas rupestres de São Raimundo Nonato Piauí

Abstract

This paper intends to present a Brazilian past known by few people, engraved rock paintings throughout Brazil s territory. For that, we focused our research on rock paintings found in The Serra da Capivara National Park, close to São Raimundo Nonato city in PI, an abundant source of information. As part of the history of our ancient society, these rock paintings made thousands of years ago tell the story of hunters and gatherers groups. Voicing their wishes, needs, beliefs and feelings, the paintings speak for their people. These paintings show how people related among themselves and with other groups, they are similar to an instruction s manual because they taught people at that time how to live, and now, are part of our cultural patrimony. They show the place s fauna and flora. A strong dynamism can be seen in running, walking, hunting, sex and juggling scenes allowing us to know a little bit about their lifestyle. The paintings are divided in three rock traditions known as the Northeast, Agreste (dry land), and Geometric. Most of them are part of the Northeast group which has there its main point of propagation. The evidences studied are the trail of our own history and contribute to build our national identity. Exposed for millions of years, they were only shown publically about 30 years ago, thanks to the archeologist Niède Guidon who created The Serra da Capivara National Park and the American Man Museum Foundation, both known internationally to protect the history of our country. It is also maintained by the Foundation schools, workshops, training centers to instructors and teams to protect the Park. The paper shows that rock paintings inspired a number of artists in Art History, including some in the São Raimundo Nonato area. Current artists and buyers are mentioned. It is also presented a connection between pre-historical rock paintings and the mural art seen nowadays