Remains of first human settlement found on indigenous land

Remains of first human settlement found on indigenous land 4 March 2009

Cave markings found at the dig site.
© Paî Tavyterá/Museo de Altamira

Spear heads and carved stone knives, bones of animals which were hunted and eaten and a hearth dating from about 5,200 years have been found on an archaelogical excavation; these finds are the oldest evidence of human presence ever discovered in Paraguay.

This scientific investigation was organised and supervised by the Guarani Paî Tavyterâ indigenous association, Paî Reta Joaju, in their sacred territory and carried out by a Spanish team from the Altamira Museum.

The archaeology and rock painting of the same site will be presented to the International Congress of Rock Art which will take place in Brazil in July.