The carvings were made on a strange formation within the crater known as the 'Rain Snake' dyke.
Scientists in South Africa have discovered 8,000-year-old carvings made by a group of humans inside the world's biggest meteorite impact crater. The carvings—of animals—were discovered in the 'Rain Snake' dyke of the Vredefort structure, and are believed to have had spiritual significance relating to rain making.
In the century since the discovery of the impact site, there have been many studies looking at its structure—however, little research has been done into some of the more unusual features of the crater, including its"Granophyre Dykes"—long, narrow structures that can be six miles long and 16 feet wide. These dykes are known to have formed during the impact, but how the molten material the rocks were made from were transported to the surface is unclear.
The carvings, which include what appears to be of a hippo, horse and rhino, were made 8,000 years ago by the Khoi-San—known as South Africa's 'First Peoples.'"As scientists, we recognize the special nature of the impact crater, but it was also recognized by ancient inhabitants of the area," Huber said.Image showing a hippopotamus carved by the San people around 8,000 years ago.
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