Multi-Analytical Study Reveals Complex History Behind Ancient Snake Motif in Argentine Rock Art

A recently published study demonstrated how microscopic techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and micro-Raman spectroscopy, can analyze the material composition of paint samples at a microscopic scale. This study, which was published in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, investigated a multi-headed snake motif at Argentina’s La Candelaria rock shelter, revealing the chronological timeline of multiple painting events (1).

Why Is La Candelaria Important?

Argentina’s La Candelaria’s rock shelter is located in the El Alto-Ancasti Mountain region, which is located in northwest Argentina (2). This region has fascinated researchers because of the diverse native flora in the area, as well as the caves that contain rock art (2). The rock art of the El Alto-Ancasti Mountain region has long fascinated archaeologists, with many motifs attributed to the La Aguada Culture (600–900 CE) (1,2).

In their study, the research team, comprised of researchers from various research institutions in Argentina, concentrated their investigation on one rock art painting in La Caldelaria’s rock shelter, and that is the snake motif in the cave.

This painting, which is a snake with multiple heads, was always interpreted as a singular image. However, the research team wanted to find out whether there is a deeper history behind this motif. To do so, the research team conducted various macroscopic and microscopic examinations. The macroscopic examinations focused on visual traits such as color hues, painting superimpositions, morphological features, and application patterns (1). The microscopic examinations were conducted using SEM-EDS and micro-Raman spectroscopy to analyze the material composition of paint samples at a microscopic scale.

What Were The Results Of The Study?

The researchers discovered through both the macroscopic and microscopic examinations that there was evidence to indicate three distinct painting events. Variations in pigment composition, application layers, and even brushstroke direction suggested that multiple individuals, potentially from different time periods, contributed to the development and transformation of the snake figure (1).

As a result, their study challenged the preconceived notion that the motif is a single, completed image. The evidence suggested that the motif underwent several repaintings over the course of history.

What Are The Main Takeaways From This Study?

There are several key takeaways that researchers and archaeologists can take from this study. For one, the study introduces new theoretical and methodological challenges to the field of rock art studies (1). It raises the question of whether ancient imagery are shaped by continued human interaction over time, which means archaeologists may need to rethink their approach in how they interpret ancient imagery (1). Rather than isolating motifs as one-time events, the study suggests that cave art and paintings may more likely be shaped by histories of creation, maintenance, and even spiritual or ontological reinterpretation (1).

The second main takeaway from this study is that using both macroscopic and microscopic analysis is important in modern archaeology to obtain as much information as possible from what is being studied. According to the authors, the marriage of macroscopic field observations with micro-invasive laboratory techniques like SEM-EDS and micro-Raman spectroscopy not only strengthens the reliability of interpretations, but it also opens new avenues for understanding the social and ritual functions of rock art (1).

As the study proves through SEM-EDS and micro-Raman spectroscopy, the evolving nature of the snake figure invites broader questions about ancient worldviews, spiritual beliefs, and ontological frameworks (1). Using these techniques to uncover new information about the pigments found in rock art demonstrates how history can be rewritten by future generations.

References

1. Gheco, L.; Etcheberry, E. A.; Landino, M.; et al. The Snake That Grew on the Wall: A Combined Macroscopic and Microscopic Archaeometric Approach to Rock Art Making Through the Case of La Candelaria Cave (Northwestern, Argentina). J. Arch. Sci. Rep. 2025, 62, 105060. DOI: 10.1016/j.jasrep.2025.105060
2. Melendez, A. S.; Burry, L. S.; Palacio, P. I.; et al. Ecosystems Dynamics and Environmental Management: An NDVI Reconstruction Model for El Alto-Ancasti Mountain Range (Catamarca, Argentina) From 442 AD Through 1980 AD. Quat. Sci. Rev. 2024, 324, 108450. DOI: 10.1016/j.quascirev.2023.108450