Desert Speaks

Argentina: Ancient Patagonia People

Host David Yetman and Argentine archeologist Maria Jose Figuerero journey through the gorgeously diverse Patagonia landscape for a look at the Patagonian people from ancient to modern times. The travelers stop at the Cuerva de los Manos ("Cave of the Hands"), which features a lasting glimpse into the lives of early residents. The famous stenciled handprints were created by blowing through a straw-like instrument filled with paint, while the images of lizards, people and the hunting of huanacos (a relative of the llama) were painted by hand. The episode includes a visit to "Cierro de los Indios," a site currently being excavated and offering evidence that people inhabited Patagonia possibly as long as 12,000 years ago. The trip also includes a visit to the some of the little ranches, "estancias," that spot the sparse landscape, and a visit with some modern day sheep herding gauchos.