[Article déjà publié le 4 juin 2024]
The hidden treasure of the Orinoco
In remote regions of Colombia and Venezuela, archaeologists have unearthed one of the largest concentrations of rock art in the world. Using drones and cameras, they mapped 14 massive sites, revealing monumental carvings, including a nearly 43 meter long snake, the largest carving known to date. The study investigating this discovery was published in Antiquity.
The carvings, located along the Orinoco River, were strategically placed to be visible from afar, likely marking ancient territories and trade routes. According to Philip Riris, co-author of the study and lecturer in archaeological and paleoenvironmental modeling at Bournemouth University in England, these works served to demarcate the domains of local communities, displaying human and animal motifs.
These indigenous peoples had inhabited the region along the river for at least 9,200 years, explains the journal Science. “ When the first Spanish missionaries arrived in the 14th century, at least seven groups were trading, intermarrying, establishing alliances, and also waging wars. » details the review.
photo credit: Philip Riris et al. ; Antiquity Publications Ltd. ; (CC-BY 4.0 Deed)
Ancient culture revealed with giant snake and carvings
The engravings discovered bear witness to an ancient and complex culture, previously unknown. Among the discoveries, a giant snake 43 meters long, human figures 10 meters long, and giant centipedes show the scale and importance of this artistic tradition.
Giant snakes, found in many cultures around the world, often symbolized creation, immortality and healing and played a central role in their myths and beliefs. This tradition, called ophiolatry, shows the depth and breadth of ancient beliefs surrounding snakes.
About 60 of the 1,000 carvings are larger than 10 meters, depicting various creatures and geometric shapes. This region of the Orinoco, with an area of one thousand square kilometers, could contain approximately 10,000 engravings yet to be discovered, researchers estimate.
“ Nowhere else in the world do we consistently see rock art of this size. Elsewhere you might see large one-off examples of rock art, but here we found a concentration of sites that occur at regular intervals » said Philip Riris.
Orinoco rock art sites: necessary protection for this global heritage
These engravings in Orinoco, difficult to access, are located on almost vertical cliffs, testifying to the determination and skill of ancient artists. The protection of these works is essential to preserve the artistic and cultural heritage of the Orinoco Valley. Researchers, in collaboration with local communities, work to protect and preserve these works.
Further research is needed to fully understand the scope and significance of these works. However, it is clear that the rock art of the Orinoco represents a world heritage of inestimable importance.
With an unwavering passion for local news, Christopher leads our editorial team with integrity and dedication. With over 20 years’ experience, he is the backbone of Wouldsayso, ensuring that we stay true to our mission to inform.
