Professor Shonku and the Caves of Cochabamba

''I don't think these caves have seen human visitors before. Though by humans, I mean modern humans, because it is evident that our ancient ancestors once lived here. I have seen the Altamira caves myself, but these caves of Bolivia seem extraordinary.
The number of drawings and paintings on the walls far surpass any caves discovered till date. Except the floors, the walls and ceilings are covered with paintings of all kinds, and not just the usual depictions of hunting. We noticed trees, plants, flowers, hills, moon, sun, sky. They painted because they loved to paint, they noticed the world around them. We also found scribble like marks around the paintings but couldn't make out whether it had a pattern or a meaning. Was it some form of primitive writing or just gibberish?
Another amazing thing was the colours of the paintings, it seemed like those of preserved artworks we find in museums. How did they make such colours?
And there are drawings of some animals which isn't the usual bison or mammoth or the sabretooth. These rhinoceros like animals have long necks and spikes all over the back, and a long, spiked tail. Did these animals exist back then or did these cave-dwellers excel in the art of imagination?
We are still in the main hall of the cave, just near the entrance. I'm writing this under the petromax light. Professor Dumberton is fascinated with the paintings on the wall behind me and is minutely observing those with his flashlight. There's a narrow opening near us in the wall, which we think might lead to another chamber like this. My intuition says there's a lot more to uncover in the depths of this incredible place. We will have our lunch we brought from the hotel and then see how far we can go inside.''
- Professor Shonku and the Caves of Cochabamba
[Original story by Satyajit Ray]

[Getting back to art has been a long, slow and difficult journey since the last 2 years. But I am at it. Will keep at it. All I got for this life. 🙂
Trying to resume my dreams with Shonku. Let me know how you like this!]

This was done using my Sung Sot Caves reference photos, taken during my last Vietnam trip.
You can check it out here: https://artstn.co/m/5Vzvl