Archaeologists have unearthed a fossilized depiction of a creature resembling a hybrid between a human and a mantis, originating from Iran during prehistoric times.
In the archaeological site of Teymareh, located in the province of Markazi, Iran, a team of scientists made an intriguing discovery in 2017. They unearthed a petroglyph, now named "Squatter Mantis Man," which is believed to be the oldest known depiction of a supernatural figure resembling a praying mantis.
The half-man, half-mantis hybrid petroglyph, estimated to be between 4,000 and 40,000 years old, has captured the attention of researchers worldwide. The figure's middle limbs are depicted in strange loops or circles, resembling a known petroglyph called "Squatter Man."
The petroglyph, approximately five inches tall, is a significant find as it represents the earliest known representation of a praying mantis-like supernatural figure. Entomologists Mahmood Kolnegari, Mandana Hazrati, and Matan Shelomi, along with a freelance archaeologist and rock art expert Mohammad Naserifard, identified the unusual figure in the petroglyph.
The specific species of mantis depicted in the petroglyph has been determined to be from the Empusa genus, native to the Iranian region. The praying mantids, known for their remarkable ability to camouflage themselves with their environment, may have held mystical significance for prehistoric engravers.
The study's authors suggest that the petroglyph of the half-man half-mantis at Teymareh indicates that praying mantids were animals of appreciation and mysticism in prehistory. Petroglyphs, such as the one at Teymareh, were often used as a means of communication by our cave-dwelling ancestors. They may have been used to express feelings and opinions, as well as serve as a tool for storytelling.
However, due to sanctions placed on Iran, radiocarbon dating isn't an option, and researchers have to rely on a chronological survey of the region. The Squatting Mantis Man is an unusual discovery, but further testing is needed before it can be called the world's oldest petroglyph.
Excluding this new discovery, the oldest petroglyph so far is the 39,000-year-old carving found in Gorham's Cave in Gibraltar. The carving resembles a giant hashtag symbol and is believed to be the oldest Neanderthal cave art ever discovered.
The Bushman rock art in South Africa’s Kamberg area also features figures partly human and partly insect with praying mantis heads, where the praying mantis was a deity and trickster figure in their mythology. However, the Teymareh petroglyph holds the title of the oldest known based on current estimates.
This ancient petroglyph serves as a testament to the rich history and culture of Iran, providing valuable insights into the beliefs and practices of our prehistoric ancestors. The ongoing research into the Squatter Mantis Man promises to shed more light on the mysterious world of our distant past.
- The discovery of the ancient petroglyph at Teymareh, depicting a half-man, half-mantis hybrid, has sparked interest in environmental science, as entomologists have identified the mantis species as native to the Iranian region.
- In the realm of education and self-development, this find has generated debates among archaeologists about the role of petroglyphs as a form of communication and storytelling in prehistoric societies.
- Meanwhile, in the field of general news and entertainment, the Squatter Mantis Man is captivating the public, offering a glimpse into the mystical significance of the praying mantis in ancient times.
- Simultaneously, in the sphere of technology, researchers are faced with the challenge of dating the petroglyph due to sanctions, resorting to a chronological survey of the region instead.
- Furthermore, the discovery of the Teymareh petroglyph has led to comparisons with other ancient art forms, such as the 39,000-year-old cave art in Gibraltar, highlighting the importance of preserving and studying such historical relics in the field of science and space-and-astronomy.
