The Cave of Bones, located in Mato Grosso, Brazil, presents a unique challenge for exploration – it’s a 90-minute drive from the nearest town and over 400km from the closest dive shop.
Unearthing the Past: Underwater Archaeology and the Cave of Bones
Recent expeditions to the Cave of Bones are revealing remarkable insights into ancient life in South America. What began as a curious dive for Sergio Schirato in 2022 has evolved into a multi-disciplinary project involving archaeologists, geologists, and a documentary film crew.
The Logistics of Remote Exploration
Reaching the site requires significant logistical planning. The 2022 expedition involved transporting over 200kg of rebreathers, cameras, and other dive equipment. Expeditions have faced challenges, including vehicle breakdowns during the 1,400km drive. A base camp, complete with gazebos and a trailer-mounted compressor system, is established for the week-long stays.
Technical Diving and Preservation
All diving at the site utilizes closed-circuit rebreathers (CCR). This is not due to depth, but for logistical advantages – reduced gas consumption and, crucially, the elimination of bubbles which can disturb sediment and reduce visibility. Divers have spent around 18 hours underwater per person, capturing approximately 10,000 photos for 3D modeling.
Recovering the Past: Bone Recovery and Analysis
The primary goal of the dives is to create a 3D photogrammetric model of the cave and recover human remains for study at the University of São Paulo. Bones are carefully documented and transported in mesh-lined crates. To date, the team has recovered around 400 bones, including skulls, skeletons, and remains of extinct animals like tapirs, giant sloths, and sabre-toothed tigers. The human remains are approximately 11,000 years old, with some animal bones dating back as far as 100,000 years.
Evidence of Ritualistic Behavior
The positioning of bones within the full skeleton suggests a deliberate burial ritual, indicating organized community behavior 11,000 years ago. A ceramic pot was also recovered from a deeper section of the cave.
Technological Advancements in Underwater Archaeology
Recent expeditions have incorporated new technologies, including handheld laser scanners for detailed bone analysis and the Halcyon Symbios CCR, reducing diver weight. The addition of a Starlink internet system allows for real-time data upload and social media updates from the remote site.
FAQ Section
Where is the Cave of Bones located?
The Cave of Bones is situated in a remote area of Mato Grosso, Brazil. This proves approximately 90 minutes from the nearest town and over 400km from the closest professional dive shop.
How old are the human remains found in the Cave of Bones?
Carbon dating has revealed that the human remains discovered in the cave are approximately 11,000 years old, making them some of the oldest human remains ever found in South America.
Why do the divers leverage CCR (Closed Circuit Rebreathers) for this project?
Divers use CCR primarily for gas logistics in remote areas and to prevent “percolation.” Unlike open-circuit scuba, CCR doesn’t release bubbles, which keeps sediment from falling from the cave ceiling and ruining visibility.
What kind of extinct animals were found in the cave?
The expedition recovered bones from an extinct species of tapir (over 8,000 years old), giant sloths, and sabre-toothed tigers, as well as a giant rodent skull dating back 100,000 years.
What is the “burial ritual” hypothesis mentioned in the study?
Archaeologists believe the cave served as a burial site because several skeletons were found with bones placed in anatomically incorrect positions, suggesting a deliberate, organized community ritual rather than natural expiration on-site.