The Dmanisi Skull

Today we are happy to introduce Raphe, the Gamo-Khate Mestia artist from France.

Raphe’s piece is dedicated to The Dmanisi skull, also known as Skull 5, is one of five skulls discovered in Dmanisi, Georgia. These fossils, known as Homo georgicus, changed the scientific understanding of human evolution.

His work links to the pictograms carved into the Khvamli fortress-cave, which symbolically mark the start of the ancient Georgian calendar. This calendar begins its countdown from a global cataclysm, after which survivors - guided by astronomer-priests - took refuge in the mountains and recorded the event. These wall paintings likely belong to a cosmogonic tradition, potentially containing encrypted knowledge.

I liked to make a composition showing separately the different parts of the skulls with flashy colours to create a dynamic like a danse. The flow of pictograms given the rythm on a grey scale background It was such a great experience and the I met wonderful people from the line up and also the volunteers and organisers. I am blessed also to discover the Georgian culture and the area of Svaneti Mesti in the mountains that offered me everyday a real paradise atmosphere Thanks a lot and bug up to @flamingotbilisi @gugakvelashvili @lets_go_mad for your kindness, you have such a big Heart.