Who was Niede Guidon?

Niede Guidon was a Brazilian archaeologist renowned for her research that questioned the conventional timeline of human arrival in the Americas. She also played a pivotal role in establishing and preserving the Serra da Capivara National Park in Brazil.

What were Niede Guidon's main archaeological findings?

Guidon's most notable findings suggested that humans inhabited the Americas much earlier than previously believed,potentially as far back as 30,000 years ago. These findings, based on excavations near rock painting sites, challenged the widely accepted Clovis model.

Where is Serra da Capivara National Park located?

Serra da Capivara National Park is located in the state of Piauí, in the northeast region of Brazil. The park is known for its meaningful collection of prehistoric rock art and archaeological sites.

Why is Serra da Capivara National Park vital?

The park is crucial due to its extensive collection of ancient rock paintings, providing insights into the lives and cultures of early inhabitants of South America. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991, largely due to Niede Guidon's efforts.

How did Niede Guidon contribute to the local community?

Niede Guidon's work significantly boosted the local economy by attracting tourism and investment to the region. She also initiated projects that empowered local women through employment and the production of crafts like honey and ceramics.

What is the Clovis model regarding the peopling of the Americas?

The clovis model posits that the first humans arrived in the Americas around 13,000 years ago, crossing a land bridge from Asia. Niede Guidon's findings challenged this model by suggesting earlier human presence based on archaeological evidence in Brazil.

What institutions did Niede Guidon help establish near Serra da Capivara?

Niede Guidon was instrumental in the creation of the Museum of the American Man (opened in 1996) and the Museum of Nature (opened in 2018), both located near Serra da Capivara National Park. these museums showcase the region's rich archaeological and natural history.

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Rock art

World

North West Shelf extension comes at critical juncture in Australia’s climate conversation

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor September 12, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Woodside‘s North West Shelf Extension Approved Amid Climate Concerns

PERTH, WA – The Western Australian government has approved‌ an extension to Woodside Energy’s North West Shelf gas project, paving the‍ way for⁤ the development of the Browse Basin, a move immediately drawing criticism from environmental groups who claim the project could release up ‍to 1.6‌ billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent over⁣ its lifetime. The approval,granted today,allows Woodside to process gas from the remote‌ Browse⁢ Basin through the existing North West shelf infrastructure.

The decision arrives at a critical juncture in Australia’s climate debate, as the nation grapples with balancing energy security, economic interests, adn its commitments to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. ‌Woodside maintains the Browse ⁤project⁤ is vital for Western Australia’s future gas supply and meeting⁣ the energy demands of its customers, proposing a carbon capture and storage solution to mitigate the environmental impact. Though, the project is anticipated to face legal challenges and protests, mirroring the recent battles over the Burrup Hub.

Woodside argues browse is critically important for ⁤both WA’s future gas mix, and meeting its clients’ energy⁢ needs, and ⁤is proposing a carbon‌ capture and storage solution to sequester carbon dioxide. Freelance journalist marian Wilkinson recently predicted in a Quarterly Essay that the Browse development would trigger further legal disputes, ⁣protests, and ‍lengthy appeals.

The North ⁤West Shelf is one of the world’s largest LNG ⁣facilities, and the Browse Basin holds significant gas reserves. The extension will allow Woodside to access these reserves, extending the life of the existing infrastructure.

“But ‌if the battle over the Burrup Hub teaches ⁢us‌ anything,” Wilkinson wrote, “It’s that Australia needs a broader, national debate about gas exports and climate change. One that asks: Can Australia really be⁢ a‍ responsible climate actor if it keeps developing major new gas projects ⁤as global emissions continue to rise and the chances of holding global warming to 1.5 Celsius fade?”

September 12, 2025 0 comments

Technology

Ancient elk petroglyphs in Mongolia show 12,000-year shift from realism to wolf-like symbols

by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor July 17, 2025

written by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor

Altai Rock Art Reveals 12,000-Year Elk Transformation

Ancient Images Shift from Realistic Portrayals to Abstract Symbols

A groundbreaking study analyzing 12,000 years of Altai rock art in western Mongolia unveils a dramatic evolution in the depiction of elk. What began as finely detailed, lifelike representations gradually morphed into stylized, wolf-like figures, reflecting profound shifts in the region’s environment, human mobility, and cultural identity.

From Nature’s Detail to Symbolic Abstraction

Dr. **Esther Jacobson-Tepfer**, whose research is published in the Cambridge Archaeological Journal, highlights how early Altai petroglyphs from around 12,000 years ago captured elk with remarkable accuracy. These ancient carvings portrayed the animals in naturalistic poses, often alongside their young or extinct fauna like mammoths and woolly rhinos. This early artistry demonstrated a deep understanding of the natural world, with figures depicted in profile and retaining proportional realism.

A stylized elk, representing the later stages of artistic transformation in Altai rock art.

Over time, especially during the Bronze Age, these depictions underwent significant changes. Elk began appearing in more dynamic scenes, frequently integrated into human activities like hunting. By the later Bronze Age, the realistic style gave way to abstraction. The elk figures became elongated, their antlers exaggerated, and facial features distorted into forms resembling snouts or beaks.

Environmental and Social Catalysts for Change

This symbolic transformation is closely linked to socio-environmental changes. As the Eurasian steppe cooled and dried throughout the Holocene, forests, which served as prime elk habitats, began to recede. Elk populations migrated westward, and pastoralist communities followed the shifting landscapes to higher altitudes. The rock art itself serves as a testament to this movement, with carvings appearing at increasingly elevated locations over centuries.

Ancient elk petroglyphs in Mongolia show 12,000-year shift from realism to wolf-like symbols — This Bronze Age carving from the Tsagaan Gol complex shows elk integrated with human figures, a common theme in later rock art.

Dr. **Jacobson-Tepfer**’s extensive fieldwork in the Altai region offers crucial insights into how climate shifts and human migration impacted daily life and artistic expression. During a 1995 survey, she encountered a large glacial boulder bearing a single, distorted elk image that stood out amongst hundreds of others. She described this finding as reflecting “a complex interweaving of deep geological time, iconography, and its social implications.” The boulder itself became not merely an artifact but a symbol of evolving cultural identity.

A boulder featuring large, stylized elk carvings in the Altai Mountains. — Carvings like these, featuring stylized elk, represent a departure from earlier naturalistic art.

The advent of mounted horse travel further reshaped human interaction with the environment. Art began to feature stylized animals on personal belongings, signifying emerging social hierarchies and increased mobility. The elk, once a tangible element of the natural world, transitioned into a potent symbolic representation of these evolving societal structures. By the Turkic period, the elk motif had entirely vanished from the artistic tradition.

This shift mirrors broader patterns in human history. For example, the widespread adoption of the horse in many cultures led to significant changes in warfare, trade, and social organization, often reflected in their art and symbolism. The evolving depiction of the elk in Altai rock art provides a unique window into these deep historical transformations.

More information: Jacobson-Tepfer, E. (2025). From Monumental Realism to Denatured Beast: The Transformation of the Elk Image in Rock Art of the Altai Mountains (Mongolia) and its Cultural Implications. Cambridge Archaeological Journal. DOI: 10.1017/S0959774325000137

July 17, 2025 0 comments

Entertainment

Niede Guidon, Rock Art Archaeologist, Dies at 92

by Chief editor of world-today-news.com June 11, 2025

written by Chief editor of world-today-news.com

Niede Guidon,Pioneering Archaeologist of the Americas,Dies at 92

Table of Contents

Niede Guidon,Pioneering Archaeologist of the Americas,Dies at 92

Niede Guidon,the Brazilian archaeologist whose groundbreaking work challenged the established timeline for the arrival of humans in the Americas,passed away on Wednesday at her home near Serra da Capivara National Park. She was 92 years old. Marian Rodrigues, the park’s director, confirmed that the cause of death was a heart attack.

Guidon’s research, which suggested human presence in the Americas as far back as 30,000 years ago, sparked considerable debate within the scientific community. Beyond her controversial findings, she is celebrated for her tireless efforts in preserving ancient rock art and transforming a remote region of northeast Brazil into the Serra da capivara National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Transforming a Region through Archaeology

Beyond her academic contributions,Niede guidon profoundly impacted the local communities surrounding serra da Capivara. Her dedication to preserving the region’s archaeological heritage led to significant economic and social development.

did You Know? …

Serra da Capivara National Park boasts one of the largest concentrations of prehistoric rock art in the world, with thousands of paintings dating back as far as 25,000 years according to the Bradshaw Foundation.

Antoine Lourdeau, a French archaeologist who collaborated with guidon, emphasized her holistic approach, stating, “The best way to preserve the paintings was to preserve the surroundings, and to preserve the surroundings, you had to provide resources for the people.” This philosophy drove Guidon to advocate for sustainable development initiatives that benefited the local population.

Empowering Women in Northeast Brazil

Guidon’s influence extended beyond archaeology and conservation. She actively promoted the empowerment of women in a traditionally patriarchal region. Adriana Abujamra, author of Guidon’s biography, noted the numerous testimonials from women who achieved financial independence through their work with the park and related initiatives.

Local residents found employment as park guides and guards,while others produced and sold honey and ceramics through programs initiated by Guidon in the 1990s. These initiatives not only provided economic opportunities but also fostered a sense of pride and ownership within the community.

Early Life and Academic Pursuits

Born on March 12, 1933, in Jaú, São Paulo State, Niede Guidon’s early life was marked by a spirit of independence and a commitment to social justice. After graduating from the University of São Paulo with a degree in natural history in 1958,she faced opposition for challenging corruption within a school where she taught.This experience fueled her determination to fight for what she believed in.

Later, while working at the Paulista Museum in São Paulo, Guidon’s interest in archaeology was sparked by photographs of prehistoric rock drawings in Piauí. This encounter set her on a path that would define her life’s work.

challenges and Triumphs in Piauí

Guidon’s journey to Piauí was not without obstacles. After fleeing Brazil to Paris in 1964 due to the military dictatorship, she pursued archaeological studies and earned a doctorate from the University of Paris in 1975.In 1970,she finally visited the rock paintings in Piauí,leading to her lifelong dedication to their preservation.

Her excavations in the 1990s uncovered artifacts dated to 30,000 years ago, challenging the prevailing clovis model of human migration to the Americas. While her findings remained controversial, thay brought international attention and resources to the region.

Pro Tip: …

The Clovis model suggests that the first humans arrived in North America approximately 13,000 years ago via the Bering Land Bridge. Though, archaeological sites like Monte Verde in Chile and Serra da Capivara in Brazil present evidence of earlier human occupation, prompting ongoing debate and research.

Legacy of a Visionary Leader

Despite the controversies surrounding her research, Niede Guidon’s impact on Piauí is undeniable. She transformed a neglected region into a thriving center for archaeological research and tourism. André Strauss, an archaeologist at the University of São Paulo, lauded her charisma and persuasive abilities, calling her “the Churchill of northeastern Brazil.”

Niede Guidon’s legacy extends beyond her scientific contributions. She leaves behind a transformed landscape, a thriving community, and a lasting testament to the power of one person’s vision and determination. She was buried in the garden outside her house in São Raimundo Nonato on June 5.

Key Facts: Niede Guidon’s Life and Work

Milestone	Date	significance
Birth	March 12, 1933	Born in Jaú, São Paulo State, Brazil
University Graduation	1958	Graduated from the University of São Paulo with a degree in natural history
First Visit to Piauí Rock Paintings	1970	Began her archaeological work in Serra da Capivara
Serra da capivara National Park Creation	1979	Instrumental in the Brazilian goverment’s decision to establish the park
UNESCO World Heritage designation	1991	Secured UNESCO recognition for the park
Museum of the American Man Opening	1996	Helped establish the museum near the park
Museum of Nature Opening	2018	Helped establish the museum near the park
Death	june 5, 2024	Passed away at her home near Serra da Capivara National Park

The enduring Significance of Niede Guidon’s Work

Niede guidon’s impact on the field of archaeology and the development of northeast Brazil is undeniable. Her work challenged long-held assumptions about the peopling of the Americas, sparking debate and inspiring further research. While her findings regarding the age of human occupation in the region remain controversial, her dedication to preserving the Serra da Capivara National Park and empowering local communities has left a lasting legacy.

The park itself stands as a testament to her vision, protecting a vast collection of prehistoric rock art and providing a valuable resource for scientific research and tourism. Guidon’s efforts to integrate the local population into the park’s management and development have created sustainable economic opportunities and fostered a sense of pride in the region’s rich cultural heritage.

As archaeological techniques and dating methods continue to evolve, future research may shed further light on the mysteries of Serra da Capivara and the early inhabitants of the Americas. Nonetheless of the ultimate outcome of these investigations, niede guidon’s pioneering work will continue to inspire archaeologists and conservationists for generations to come.

Frequently Asked Questions About Niede Guidon and Serra da Capivara

What is the current scientific consensus on the peopling of the Americas?: while the Clovis model was once the dominant theory, most scientists now agree that humans arrived in the Americas earlier than 13,000 years ago. However, the exact timing and routes of migration remain subjects of ongoing research and debate.
How can I visit Serra da Capivara National Park?: Serra da Capivara National Park is open to visitors year-round. Information on park access, guided tours, and accommodations can be found on the park’s official website or through local tourism agencies.
What are some of the challenges in preserving rock art sites like those in Serra da Capivara?: Rock art sites are vulnerable to a variety of threats, including weathering, erosion, vandalism, and the impacts of tourism. Effective preservation requires careful management,monitoring,and community involvement.
What other archaeological sites support earlier human presence in the Americas?: Besides Serra da Capivara, sites like Monte Verde in Chile, Paisley Caves in Oregon, and Meadowcroft Rockshelter in Pennsylvania have yielded evidence suggesting human occupation prior to the Clovis period.
How did niede guidon fund her research and conservation efforts?: Guidon secured funding from a variety of sources, including government grants, international organizations, and private donors.She was a skilled fundraiser and advocate for her work.

What aspects of Niede Guidon’s life and work do you find most inspiring? How can archaeological discoveries contribute to our understanding of human history?

Share yoru thoughts in the comments below and help us spread the word about this remarkable woman’s legacy!

June 11, 2025 0 comments