Cave Painting
Jicamorachi is home to the Devil's Cave located near the town, it is a site that keeps on its walls a collection of worn cave paintings dating from unknown times.
Although the exact date of creation of these paintings remains a mystery, it is plausible that they were made by the first Rarámuri settlers of Jicamorachi.
As we explore these cave paintings, deep meanings about the relationship between man and his environment are revealed.
Among the most prominent representations is a trident, a symbol that evokes the activity of fishing. Near the cave, there is a place known as "Las Ranas", evoking the presence of abundant fish in times past and suggesting that fishing
It could have been a vital subsistence activity.
Era: Unknown
Location: Devil's Cave, Jicamorachi.
Support: Cave painting.
Meaning: Representation of a trident, a tool for fishing.
Indigenous people: Rarámuri.
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Another prominent figure is that of a man and a child, possibly collectors, accompanied by an animal that could be a dog. This everyday scene transports us to a remote past, where hunting and gathering were fundamental activities to guarantee the survival of the community. The presence of the dog, man's faithful companion in his daily work, underlines the close relationship between humans and animals in this natural environment.
Era: Unknown
Location: Devil's Cave, Jicamorachi.
Support: Cave painting.
Meaning: Man, boy, dog, possible hunters and gatherers
Indigenous people: Rarámuri.
Between the figures there is a spot with eight long peaks, similar to an asterisk, which possibly represents the sun. For the Rarámuri culture, the sun was a vital deity. This representation suggests the spiritual and symbolic importance of the sun for the community.
Era: Unknown
Location: Devil's Cave, Jicamorachi.
Support: Cave painting.
Meaning: possibly representation of the sun
Indigenous people: Rarámuri.
Unknown figure
Era: Unknown
Location: Devil's Cave, Jicamorachi.
Support: Cave painting.
Meaning: Unknown
Indigenous people: Rarámuri.
Unknown figure
Era: Unknown
Location: Devil's Cave, Jicamorachi.
Support: Cave painting.
Meaning: Unknown
Indigenous people: Rarámuri.
All photographs
Cueva del Diablo, Jicamorachi
Cueva del Diablo, Jicamorachi
Cueva del Diablo, Jicamorachi
Cueva del Diablo, Jicamorachi
The Devil's Cave and its cave paintings represent much more than simple vestiges of the past. They are silent witnesses of the living history of Jicamorachi and a reminder of the cultural wealth that defines this Rarámuri community.
This investigation into the possible meanings of the rock figures was supported by comparison with other representations found in the state of Chihuahua. For this, the book was consulted:
"Geometries of the Imagination, Design and Iconography of Chihuahua",
published by the National Council for Culture and the Arts.
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https://www.culturaspopulareseindigenas.gob.mx/pdf/2020/geometria/ChihuahuaFinal.pdf