UNESCO World Heritage SiteUNESCO Heritage
Cueva de las Manos
Argentina

Cueva de las Manos

Cave with rock art in Patagonia.

Location

Explore the Map

Historical Context

About

Cueva de las Manos, located in the province of Santa Cruz, Argentina, is a significant archaeological site renowned for its extensive collection of prehistoric rock art. The site features a series of cave paintings, primarily known for the numerous stenciled handprints on its walls, dated between 7300 BCE and 700 CE. These artworks, created over several millennia, provide crucial insights into the lives of early hunter-gatherers in South America. The site evidences complex cultural practices through its detailed depictions of hunting scenes and animal life, primarily guanacos, which were vital to the local economy. The cave art at Cueva de las Manos is not only an invaluable window into the symbolic and artistic expressions of prehistoric peoples but also serves as a testament to their adaptive strategies and social structures.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Visual Archive

Gallery

Explore photographs of ancient structures, artifacts, and archaeological excavations

FileCueva_de_las_Manos.jpg
FileCuevamanos1.JPG
FileCuevamanos3.JPG
+12 More
Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

Journey through time and discover key events in this site's history

Earliest rock art

7300 BCE

Stylistic groups B and B1

5000 BCE

End of stylistic group A

4770 BCE

Last known habitation

700 CE

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Artistic and Decorative Features

Cave Paintings
category

Domestic and Habitation Structures

Caves
Knowledge Base

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore

Plan Your Visit

Tours, travel arrangements, and practical information

Reference

Details

Country

Argentina

Coordinates

-47.16° N, -70.66° E