NEW PUBLICATION NEW ROCK ART SITE COMPLEX IN THE ARAUÁK RIVER VALLEY, SOUTHEASTERN VENEZUELA. ROCK ART RESEARCH JOURNAL , VOLUME 40, N2. NOVEMBER 2023
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Venezuelan Archaeologist Showcases Ancient Culture at "New Worlds, New Ideas 2024" Rock Art Congress in Italy

June 26 - 29, 2024. Valcamonica, Italy

Venezuela was represented at the “New Worlds, New Ideas 2024” Rock Art Congress held in Valcamonica, Italy. This year marked the 60th anniversary of the Centro Camuno di Studi Preistorici (CCSP), founded by Professor Emmanuel Anati in 1964, who currently serves as its honorary president. Over the past six decades, researchers, students, and staff of the CCSP have studied, preserved, and promoted rock art not only in Valcamonica but around the world. The exploration of engravings and paintings on rock surfaces, whether outdoors, in shelters, or caves, has significantly evolved from being restricted to the European continent to becoming a global phenomenon, a heritage shared by all humanity across continents and cultures.
In recent decades, there has been a remarkable increase in the number of researchers, projects, and studies in the “New World,” from the Americas to Oceania. This boom has led to the creation of numerous courses, research centers in universities, and associations dedicated to the study of rock art, accompanied by growing public interest. This expansion has resulted not only in significant discoveries and the identification of thousands of new sites with ancient images but also in the development of new techniques and methods, “New Ideas.”
To commemorate the 60th anniversary, a meeting was organized to explore and discuss advances in the “New World” of rock art research and innovation. The congress welcomed researchers and scholars from around the globe, emphasizing face-to-face interaction to facilitate direct exchanges among colleagues and participants. A limited number of online presentations and digital posters were also accepted.
Venezuelan archaeologist José Miguel Pérez-Gómez, affiliated with the Dirección de Cultura at Simón Bolívar University, presented the paper “Uncovering the Cultural Heritage of Northern South America through Rock Art: The Canaima Cultural Tradition.” This study aimed to promote the research and preservation of these cultural manifestations in Venezuela, ensuring their longevity for future generations. “The Canaima Cultural Tradition” is an exceptional testimony of an ancient, previously unknown culture, offering a unique window into one of the earliest periods of South America. Additionally, these initiatives from Simón Bolívar University aimed to include these sites in Canaima National Park on the UNESCO World Heritage list to guarantee their protection and international recognition.
The presentation, sponsored by UNESCO, the International Federation of Rock Art Organizations (IFRAO), the Union Internationale des Sciences Préhistoriques et Protohistoriques (UISPP), and the Brazilian Association of Rock Art (ABAR), among others, took place as part of the 60th anniversary of the Centro Camuno di Studi Preistorici (CCSP), founded by Professor Emmanuel Anati in 1964. The congress, commemorating this milestone, discussed advances in rock art studies, welcoming researchers worldwide and facilitating direct exchange among participants, including online presentations. Over six decades, the CCSP has studied, preserved, and promoted rock art globally. In recent decades, the “New World” has seen a significant increase in researchers, projects, and studies on rock art from the Americas to Oceania. This growth has led to the creation of specialized courses, research centers, and associations, along with growing public interest, resulting in significant discoveries and the development of innovative techniques and methods.

Reflections on the 89th Annual Meeting of the Society for American Archaeology

April 17-21, 2024. New Orleans, Louisiana, US

The vibrant city of New Orleans played host to the 89th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology (SAA) this past April. More than 4500 archaeologists, students, and enthusiasts from over 45 countries gathered to share their latest research, network, and immerse themselves in the rich cultural tapestry of the Americas’ largest archaeological conference. Among the many notable presentations, one stood out for its historical significance and captivating narrative. Jose Miguel Perez-Gomez, a distinguished archaeologist from Universidad Simon Bolivar and Fundación Manoa, presented his groundbreaking work on the shipwreck of the 1678 French fleet for the first time to the academic world. Representing Venezuela, Perez-Gomez’s research shed new light on this forgotten chapter of maritime history.

Perez-Gomez’s presentation was a highlight of the conference. His meticulous research and compelling storytelling brought the dramatic events of 1678 to life. The French fleet, which had embarked on a voyage filled with ambition and peril, met its untimely fate off the coast of Venezuela. The wreckage, long lost to the depths of the ocean, had been meticulously studied by Perez-Gomez and his team, revealing invaluable insights into 17th-century naval warfare, colonial ambitions, and the harsh realities of seafaring life.

The SAA Annual Meeting is renowned for its diverse program, featuring general sessions, symposia, forums, debates, lightning rounds, posters, and workshops. This year’s conference was no exception, offering attendees a rich array of opportunities to learn, share, and connect. The exhibit hall buzzed with energy as participants explored the latest archaeological tools, publications, and innovations. Excursions and receptions provided informal settings for deeper discussions and networking, while career-development opportunities helped attendees advance their professional journeys.

The meeting’s wide audience ranged from passionate amateurs to seasoned experts, all united by their love for archaeology. With attendees coming from all corners of the globe, the conference facilitated a cross-pollination of ideas and fostered collaborations that will undoubtedly shape the future of the field.

The Society for American Archaeology, founded in 1934, has long been dedicated to the research, interpretation, and protection of the archaeological heritage of the Americas. With nearly 7,000 members, the SAA represents a diverse community of professionals, students, and enthusiasts. The organization’s commitment to advancing archaeological knowledge was evident throughout the meeting, as was its dedication to fostering a sense of community among its members.

Perez-Gomez’s presentation on the 1678 French fleet was more than just a highlight; it was a testament to the power of archaeology to uncover lost stories and connect us with our past. His work not only enriches our understanding of maritime history but also underscores the importance of preserving our underwater cultural heritage. As the conference came to a close, attendees left with new knowledge, renewed inspiration, and strengthened connections. The 89th Annual Meeting of the Society for American Archaeology was a resounding success, and the insights shared will resonate in the field for years to come. For Jose Miguel Perez-Gomez, this event marked a significant milestone in his career, as he brought Venezuela’s rich archaeological heritage to the forefront of the global stage.

The story of the 1678 French fleet shipwreck, as unveiled by Perez-Gomez, is a poignant reminder of the endless mysteries waiting to be discovered beneath the waves.

It is a call to action for archaeologists everywhere to continue exploring, studying, and preserving the remnants of our shared history, ensuring that these stories are told for generations to come.

Insights from the TerraSAR-X / TanDEM-X Science Team Meeting 2019

October 21 – 24, 2019, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Microwaves and Radar Institute Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany.

The TerraSAR-X / TanDEM-X Science Team Meeting took place at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Oberpfaffenhofen from October 21 to 24, 2019. This workshop focused on the utilization of TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X data for a wide range of land and maritime applications, covering diverse topics such as forestry, agriculture, urban areas, land cover, oceans and coasts, georisks and geotectonics, ice, snow, permafrost, hydrology, and digital elevation models and methods. Participants were invited to engage in scientific exchanges and present their latest findings derived from TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X data.
One of the standout presentations was by Jose Miguel Perez Gomez and his research team from the Universidad Simón Bolívar and Fundación Manoa, who discussed their work titled “Remote Sensing Archaeology: Searching for Lake Parime from Space.” Their research evaluated various data types to propose the possible existence of an extinct lake reported in historical chronicles and depicted on South American maps from the late 16th century to the mid-19th century. The methodology combined historical sources, indigenous oral traditions, geological and archaeological studies, digital elevation models (DEM), and remote sensing surveys from NAS’s Shuttle Radar Topography Missions (SRTM), the Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+), and the TanDEM-X synthetic aperture radar (SAR) sensors at the DLR. Artifacts discovered within the study area were assessed and contrasted with historical and remote sensing results, providing a comprehensive analysis of the region’s historical landscape.
The insights gained from this research have profoundly impacted the understanding of South American geography and archaeology. By employing an innovative methodology that integrates historical sources, geological data, archaeological studies, and advanced remote sensing technology, the findings suggest the potential existence of the legendary Lake Parime. This has led to a reevaluation of historical maps and chronicles, offering a more accurate representation of the continent’s geographical history. The study showcases the significant potential of remote sensing technology in archaeology, demonstrating its capability to uncover and analyze ancient landscapes that have long since transformed or disappeared. Moreover, the research underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing the field of archaeology. By combining geological, archaeological, and historical data, the study offers a holistic understanding of how past civilizations interacted with their environment. This comprehensive approach enriches the archaeological narrative, providing new insights into the cultural practices and movements of ancient indigenous communities. The integration of various data sources and methodologies sets a precedent for future research, encouraging archaeologists to adopt similar approaches in their studies.
The identification and analysis of the potential Lake Parime site enhance the knowledge of cultural heritage in the region. The artifacts discovered within the study area, when assessed alongside historical and remote sensing results, provide valuable information about the cultural and historical context of the region. This not only contributes to the preservation of cultural heritage but also promotes a deeper understanding of the historical significance of the area.
In summary, the research presented by Jose Miguel Perez Gomez at the TerraSAR-X / TanDEM-X Science Team Meeting has made significant contributions to the understanding of South American geography and archaeology. By combining historical, geological, and archaeological data with advanced remote sensing technology, the study provides new insights into the continents historical geography and cultural heritage. This innovative approach sets a benchmark for future research and underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in uncovering and preserving ancient landscapes and cultural sites.