36 ancient sites found in Fakfak

36 ancient sites found in Fakfak

FAKFAK, Papua: A team of researchers from the UN Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has discovered 36
sites containing ancient rock paintings in Kokas subdistrict,
Fakfak regency, Papua, during a recent archeological expedition.

Fakfak Regent Mahadin Puarada said the 36 paintings would
serve as research objects for scientists investigating the
mysteries behind the works of art.

Besides the new paintings, the National Institute of
Archaeology and the Fakfak Cultural Affairs Office had also
identified another 15 sites with 157 ancient painting, he said.

Mahadin said the paintings, drawn on steep cliff faces,
consisted of images of palm trees and footprints, and were
believed to have been etched by hand and colored with human and
fish blood, betel leaf juice and betel lime, making the
predominant colors red, brown, black and white.

Although they have existed for hundreds or even thousands of
years, the paintings had never faded, he added. --Antara