Latest news with #Guidon
Boston Globe
a day ago
- General
- Boston Globe
Niede Guidon, 92, archaeologist who uncovered prehistoric rock art, dies
In 1979, at her insistence, the Brazilian government made the area a national park, and in 1991, again largely because of her, UNESCO, the United Nations cultural agency, declared it a World Heritage site. She then became instrumental in the creation of two museums nearby: The Museum of the American Man, which opened in 1996, and the Museum of Nature, in 2018. And she had an outsize role in attracting investment to the town, leading to a new airport and a federal university campus and to vastly improved public education in the region. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up 'The best way to preserve the paintings was to preserve the surroundings, and to preserve the surroundings, you had to provide resources for the people,' Antoine Lourdeau, a French archaeologist who worked with Ms. Guidon on and off for about a decade starting in 2006, said in an interview. 'I don't think most archaeologists are conscious of the social implications of their own work.' Advertisement Ms. Guidon was particularly effective in training and employing women in a region where men held sway and domestic violence was common, said Adriana Abujamra, the author of a 2023 biography of Guidon. 'I heard many, many touching testimonials to her from women who gained financial autonomy and sent their men to hell,' a Portuguese expression meaning they left their partners, she said. Advertisement Aside from working for the park and museums, some as guides and guards, many locals produce honey and ceramics that are sold nationwide through initiatives that Ms. Guidon started in the 1990s. Niede Guidon was born March 12, 1933, in Jaú, a small city in São Paulo state. Although Neide is a popular Brazilian name, Niede is not. Her father's side of the family was French, and she was named for the Nied River, which runs through France and Germany. After studying natural history at the University of São Paulo and receiving the equivalent of a bachelor's degree in 1958, Ms. Guidon took a job that year as a teacher in the small and predominantly Roman Catholic town of Itápolis. But after denouncing corruption within the school to a São Paulo magazine in early 1959, the town — egged on by school administrators — turned against her. As a single woman who drove a car, skipped Mass, and taught evolution, she was an easy target in largely conservative Itápolis. Tensions grew, and after violent protests, she and two other female teachers fled, escorted by police officers. 'All that was missing to complete the medieval scene was a bonfire to burn the witches,' she told a reporter at the time, according to a 2024 podcast about her life. Advertisement Later that year, she took a job at the Paulista Museum in São Paulo, and it was there that she became interested in archaeology. During a photographic exhibition she had organized — of prehistoric Brazilian rock drawings — visitors from northeastern Brazil showed her photographs of the paintings in Piauí, the ones that she would devote her life to preserving. But not for a while. Her initial attempt to see them, in 1963, failed when the collapse of a bridge prevented her from gaining access to the area. The next year, she fled Brazil to Paris after being tipped off that she would soon be arrested by the new military dictatorship, which had overthrown President João Goulart to gain power. She studied archaeology in France, eventually earning a doctorate from the University of Paris in 1975, though she returned frequently to Brazil for field work. In 1970, Ms. Guidon was finally able to visit the rock paintings in Piauí. Stunned by their complexity, she began to visit regularly, organizing teams for dayslong treks through difficult terrain to catalog what turned out to be hundreds of archaeological sites. She returned to Brazil for good in 1986 and six years later moved to São Raimundo Nonato, where she was known around town as 'Doutora,' or Doctor. In the 1990s, excavations near the painting sites uncovered material — including carbon remains from presumed firepits and chipped stone tools — that laboratories dated to 30,000 years ago. Ms. Guidon was astonished. But other scientists were highly skeptical, especially those from the United States, who adhered to the Clovis model, named after an archaeological site in New Mexico, where evidence supported the theory that humans most likely arrived in the Americas 13,000 years ago by crossing a land bridge that is now the Bering Strait. Advertisement Although scientists now generally agree that humans arrived on the North American continent a few thousand years earlier, Ms. Guidon's findings are still controversial. The question remains whether the materials excavated near the painting sites were created by humans or by natural forces. But her work did bring attention, money, and resources to Piauí, and even some of her academic critics acknowledge her accomplishments. 'She was a stateswoman with a sense of purpose, who knew how to persuade people,' said André Strauss, an archaeologist at the University of São Paulo. He doubted some of Ms. Guidon's findings but nevertheless admired her charisma — so much so that he called her 'the Churchill of northeastern Brazil.' Like Winston Churchill, she had a flair for the dramatic, often threatening to pack up and return to the more refined life she led in Paris as an academic, according to Abujamra's biography. But she never did. On the morning of June 5, she was buried in the garden outside her house in São Raimundo Nonato.
04-06-2025
- Science
Niède Guidon, the archaeologist who discovered hundreds of cave paintings in Brazil, dies at 92
RIO DE JANEIRO -- Niède Guidon, the Brazilian archaeologist known for discovering hundreds of prehistoric cave paintings in northeastern Brazil and for her research challenging theories of ancient human presence in the Americas, died Wednesday at 92, the Serra da Capivara National Park announced. Guidon first documented the red ocher cave paintings in the semi-arid state of Piaui in the 1970s. These ancient artworks, made with natural pigments such as iron oxides and charcoal, depict deer and capybaras, but also scenes of everyday life including hunting, childbirth, dancing and kissing. Guidon fought for the preservation of the area, leading to the establishment of the Serra da Capivara National Park in 1979. In 1991, UNESCO recognized the nearly 130,000-hectare park, with its sprawling valleys, mountains, and plains, as a world cultural heritage site. Guidon's discoveries shook traditional theories on when and how humans arrived on the American continent, according to a 2024 statement by Brazil's National Council for Scientific and Technological Development. It was previously believed that humans had reached the Americas approximately 13,000 years ago via the Bering Strait between Siberia and Alaska. Based on the exploration of archaeological sites in Piaui — which uncovered 15,000-year-old human bones, cave paintings estimated to be around 35,000 years old and evidence of fires dating back 48,000 years — Guidon argued that humans had arrived on the American continent from Africa via the sea, and much earlier than previously believed, the statement said. The Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation and the National Institute of Historical and Artistic Heritage commended Guidon's contributions in a joint statement Wednesday. 'If Serra da Capivara is today recognized as one of the most important concentrations of archaeological sites in the world, with a profound impact on the debate and understanding of the history of human occupation of the Americas, it is above all thanks to Niède Guidon's vision and tireless defense of science and culture,' they said. 'Professor Niède is one of those unforgettable figures who have inscribed their name in our history,' Mauro Pires, president of the Chico Mendes Institute, was quoted as saying, describing her contribution to global archaeology as immeasurable. 'Brazilian science is saddened by the passing of Niède Guidon, who helped us understand the origins of man in the American continent,' Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said in a statement. Guidon was born in the interior of Sao Paulo state in 1933. She graduated in Natural History from the University of Sao Paulo in 1959, before moving to France to pursue her studies. She completed her doctorate at Paris' Sorbonne University in 1975, after presenting a thesis on the cave paintings in Piaui state. Guidon went on to found the Foundation Museum of the American Man, a non-profit dedicated to the cultural and natural heritage of Serra da Capivara National Park, which she led between 1986 and 2019. 'For decades, she and her team fought to secure funding and infrastructure for the park, firmly standing against government neglect,' the nonprofit said on Wednesday, adding that her work was marked by 'passion, persistence, and a generous vision of science as a tool for social transformation.' In 2024, Brazil's National Council of Scientific and Technological Development asked Guidon about the obstacles she faced as a woman and a scientist. 'I never worried about people's opinions about me," she said. 'I worked hard, created a very qualified team, and history was made.'
Toronto Star
04-06-2025
- General
- Toronto Star
Niède Guidon, the archaeologist who discovered hundreds of cave paintings in Brazil, dies at 92
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Niède Guidon, the Brazilian archaeologist known for discovering hundreds of prehistoric cave paintings in northeastern Brazil and for her research challenging theories of ancient human presence in the Americas, died Wednesday at 92, the Serra da Capivara National Park announced. Guidon first documented the red ocher cave paintings in the semi-arid state of Piaui in the 1970s. These ancient artworks, made with natural pigments such as iron oxides and charcoal, depict deer and capybaras, but also scenes of everyday life including hunting, childbirth, dancing and kissing.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Niède Guidon, the archaeologist who discovered hundreds of cave paintings in Brazil, dies at 92
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Niède Guidon, the Brazilian archaeologist known for discovering hundreds of prehistoric cave paintings in northeastern Brazil and for her research challenging theories of ancient human presence in the Americas, died Wednesday at 92, the Serra da Capivara National Park announced. Guidon first documented the red ocher cave paintings in the semi-arid state of Piaui in the 1970s. These ancient artworks, made with natural pigments such as iron oxides and charcoal, depict deer and capybaras, but also scenes of everyday life including hunting, childbirth, dancing and kissing. Guidon fought for the preservation of the area, leading to the establishment of the Serra da Capivara National Park in 1979. In 1991, UNESCO recognized the nearly 130,000-hectare park, with its sprawling valleys, mountains, and plains, as a world cultural heritage site. Guidon's discoveries shook traditional theories on when and how humans arrived on the American continent, according to a 2024 statement by Brazil's National Council for Scientific and Technological Development. It was previously believed that humans had reached the Americas approximately 13,000 years ago via the Bering Strait between Siberia and Alaska. Based on the exploration of archaeological sites in Piaui — which uncovered 15,000-year-old human bones, cave paintings estimated to be around 35,000 years old and evidence of fires dating back 48,000 years — Guidon argued that humans had arrived on the American continent from Africa via the sea, and much earlier than previously believed, the statement said. The Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation and the National Institute of Historical and Artistic Heritage commended Guidon's contributions in a joint statement Wednesday. 'If Serra da Capivara is today recognized as one of the most important concentrations of archaeological sites in the world, with a profound impact on the debate and understanding of the history of human occupation of the Americas, it is above all thanks to Niède Guidon's vision and tireless defense of science and culture,' they said. 'Professor Niède is one of those unforgettable figures who have inscribed their name in our history,' Mauro Pires, president of the Chico Mendes Institute, was quoted as saying, describing her contribution to global archaeology as immeasurable. 'Brazilian science is saddened by the passing of Niède Guidon, who helped us understand the origins of man in the American continent,' Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said in a statement. Guidon was born in the interior of Sao Paulo state in 1933. She graduated in Natural History from the University of Sao Paulo in 1959, before moving to France to pursue her studies. She completed her doctorate at Paris' Sorbonne University in 1975, after presenting a thesis on the cave paintings in Piaui state. Guidon went on to found the Foundation Museum of the American Man, a non-profit dedicated to the cultural and natural heritage of Serra da Capivara National Park, which she led between 1986 and 2019. 'For decades, she and her team fought to secure funding and infrastructure for the park, firmly standing against government neglect,' the nonprofit said on Wednesday, adding that her work was marked by 'passion, persistence, and a generous vision of science as a tool for social transformation.' In 2024, Brazil's National Council of Scientific and Technological Development asked Guidon about the obstacles she faced as a woman and a scientist. 'I never worried about people's opinions about me," she said. 'I worked hard, created a very qualified team, and history was made.' ____ Follow AP's coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at
Hamilton Spectator
04-06-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Niède Guidon, the archaeologist who discovered hundreds of cave paintings in Brazil, dies at 92
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Niède Guidon, the Brazilian archaeologist known for discovering hundreds of prehistoric cave paintings in northeastern Brazil and for her research challenging theories of ancient human presence in the Americas, died Wednesday at 92, the Serra da Capivara National Park announced. Guidon first documented the red ocher cave paintings in the semi-arid state of Piaui in the 1970s. These ancient artworks, made with natural pigments such as iron oxides and charcoal, depict deer and capybaras , but also scenes of everyday life including hunting, childbirth, dancing and kissing. Guidon fought for the preservation of the area, leading to the establishment of the Serra da Capivara National Park in 1979. In 1991, UNESCO recognized the nearly 130,000-hectare park, with its sprawling valleys, mountains, and plains, as a world cultural heritage site. Guidon's discoveries shook traditional theories on when and how humans arrived on the American continent, according to a 2024 statement by Brazil's National Council for Scientific and Technological Development. It was previously believed that humans had reached the Americas approximately 13,000 years ago via the Bering Strait between Siberia and Alaska. Based on the exploration of archaeological sites in Piaui — which uncovered 15,000-year-old human bones, cave paintings estimated to be around 35,000 years old and evidence of fires dating back 48,000 years — Guidon argued that humans had arrived on the American continent from Africa via the sea, and much earlier than previously believed, the statement said. The Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation and the National Institute of Historical and Artistic Heritage commended Guidon's contributions in a joint statement Wednesday. 'If Serra da Capivara is today recognized as one of the most important concentrations of archaeological sites in the world, with a profound impact on the debate and understanding of the history of human occupation of the Americas, it is above all thanks to Niède Guidon's vision and tireless defense of science and culture,' they said. 'Professor Niède is one of those unforgettable figures who have inscribed their name in our history,' Mauro Pires, president of the Chico Mendes Institute, was quoted as saying, describing her contribution to global archaeology as immeasurable. 'Brazilian science is saddened by the passing of Niède Guidon, who helped us understand the origins of man in the American continent,' Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said in a statement. Guidon was born in the interior of Sao Paulo state in 1933. She graduated in Natural History from the University of Sao Paulo in 1959, before moving to France to pursue her studies. She completed her doctorate at Paris' Sorbonne University in 1975, after presenting a thesis on the cave paintings in Piaui state. Guidon went on to found the Foundation Museum of the American Man, a non-profit dedicated to the cultural and natural heritage of Serra da Capivara National Park, which she led between 1986 and 2019. 'For decades, she and her team fought to secure funding and infrastructure for the park, firmly standing against government neglect,' the nonprofit said on Wednesday, adding that her work was marked by 'passion, persistence, and a generous vision of science as a tool for social transformation.' In 2024, Brazil's National Council of Scientific and Technological Development asked Guidon about the obstacles she faced as a woman and a scientist. 'I never worried about people's opinions about me,' she said. 'I worked hard, created a very qualified team, and history was made.' ____ Follow AP's coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
