12th Century Buddha Paintings Found in Nepal Cave Written by Elizabeth Bishop, Senior Internet News Producer E-mail Story Print Story KATMANDU, Nepal (AP) -- Paintings of Buddha dating back to at least the 12th century have been discovered in a cave in Nepal. Researchers were tipped off by a local sheep herder who wandered into the cave to seek shelter from the rain. A team of Nepalese, American and Italian archaeologists, art experts and climbers found a mural with 55 panels depicting the story of Buddha's life. In a nearby cave, they found manuscripts written in the Tibetan language. A writer and conservationist from Wyoming who was on the team says the find is "fantastically rich in culture and heritage." The team plans to return next spring to conduct more research but won't reveal the cave's exact location for fear that visitors could disturb the art. Copyright 2007 The Associated Press . All Rights Reserved. Created: 5/4/2007 1:59:53 PM Updated: 5/4/2007 2:00:19 PM