Archaeologists working in the canyons along the Colorado-Utah border have uncovered what is believed to be a previously unknown spiral calendar carved and used by the Ancestral Pueblo people. Led by Polish archaeologist Radosław Palonka of Jagiellonian University, the team made the discovery near Castle Rock Pueblo in the Mesa Verde region. The Ancestral Pueblo people inhabited the village in the 13th century and were known for their cliff dwellings, circular kivas, and cliff drawings. The newly discovered petroglyphs, including spiral carvings up to one meter in diameter, were found about 800 meters above the cliff settlements, suggesting the creators may have used them for astronomical observations and to determine the dates of special days in the calendar, such as solstices and equinoxes.

The researchers were initially surprised by the specific drawings they found, indicating that their previous understanding of the area was incomplete. The petroglyphs cover a vast area of over 4 kilometers around the large plateau. The spiral carvings, resembling the famous Mayan calendars, date back to the 12th or 13th century. The team postulated that the Ancestral Pueblo people used these petroglyphs for astronomical observations, providing insights into the complexity of their religious practices. The discovery challenges previous estimates about the number of inhabitants in the region during the 13th century and highlights the need to reassess the understanding of the Ancestral Pueblo people’s cultural and religious activities in the area. Today, the descendants of the Ancestral Pueblo, including the Hopi Tribe and modern Pueblo tribes, continue to inhabit the region despite the challenges posed by disease and violence over the centuries.

Yulia Brodskaya, the innovative paper quilling artist, has carved a unique niche in the art world with her mesmerizing paper-quilled portraits that envision a diverse and hopeful future. Utilizing a distinctive technique that involves the meticulous rolling, shaping, and gluing of colorful paper strips onto a canvas, Brodskaya transforms hundreds of individual pieces into intricate swirls, patterns, and facial features. The result is a stunningly three-dimensional technique that brings her portraits to life in a way that traditional mediums might struggle to achieve.

In her latest series, Brodskaya takes on the ambitious task of portraying the “people of Gaia,” offering a utopian glimpse into the future. Drawing inspiration from various cultures worldwide, she weaves a tapestry of diversity and hope by incorporating imagery from different traditions and backgrounds. The process involves a thoughtful exploration of the past to inform this optimistic vision of the future. For those captivated by Brodskaya’s masterful paper quilling, her book, “Painting with Paper,” serves as an invaluable resource to delve deeper into her artistic process and creations. To stay updated on her ongoing projects and see what she’s currently crafting, enthusiasts can follow her on Instagram for an immersive journey into the world of this visionary paper artist.

Tiny Eyes, the creative persona of Beijing-born artist Siyu, brings a delightful and insightful touch to cultural commentary through her witty comics that explore the everyday nuances between China and Western cultures. With a keen eye for humor and a deep understanding of the unique habits that define each cultural landscape, Tiny Eyes captures these differences in a series of charming and relatable illustrations. From language quirks to social norms, the artist navigates the delicate balance between amusement and understanding, inviting audiences to reflect on the diversity that shapes our global society.

Siyu’s comics serve as a bridge, fostering cross-cultural appreciation by shedding light on the subtle disparities that often go unnoticed. Through her clever and lighthearted approach, Tiny Eyes creates a space for dialogue, breaking down stereotypes and fostering a sense of shared humanity. The universal appeal of Siyu’s work lies in her ability to highlight the peculiarities that make each culture unique while celebrating the common ground that binds us all. In a world that continues to grow more interconnected, Tiny Eyes’ comics serve as a wholesome reminder of the richness found in our differences and the joy that comes from understanding and embracing diverse perspectives.

Photos courtesy: Tinyeyes