San Borjitas Cave, Archaeological cave site in Mulegé, Mexico.
San Borjitas Cave is an archaeological site near Mulegé containing painted walls and ceiling surfaces throughout its chamber. More than 80 human figures cover the rock alongside depictions of mammals, birds, and sea creatures rendered in red and black mineral pigments.
The cave was first documented by European priests in the late 1700s when Jesuit missionaries traveled through the region. These early records later helped establish the site's importance as one of North America's oldest artistic records.
The painted figures show how indigenous peoples saw the world around them through animals, hunters, and creatures they encountered daily. These images reveal what mattered most to those who lived here long ago.
Visitors must arrange tours through local operators in the area and should wear sturdy shoes for walking on uneven rock surfaces. The approach path can be steep and slippery, so some physical fitness is helpful for the experience.
Scientific analysis suggests some paintings here date back approximately 7,500 years, placing them among the oldest rock art known in North America. This makes the site an exceptionally old record of human artistic skill in this region.
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