Petroglyphs of Cunchihuillo : San Martin
Location
Petroglyphs of Cunchihuillo : San Martin are located in the district of San Martin de Porres, province of Picota, department of San Martin, Peru. This archaeological site is located in the northeastern region of the country, in an area of high jungle, and is accessible mainly by road from the city of Tarapoto.
History
It dates back to pre-Columbian times, when they were created by the ancient civilizations that inhabited the region. These petroglyphs are evidence of the rock art practiced by cultures such as the ancient inhabitants of the Peruvian jungle, who left their marks on the rocks using primitive tools.
The petroglyphs depict diverse figures, including humans, animals, and geometric symbols, each with its own meaning and purpose within the beliefs and practices of these cultures. Petroglyphs are believed to have had ceremonial, religious, or even important territorial functions.
In terms of archaeological research, the Cunchihuillo Petroglyphs are a site of great interest, as they provide clues about the daily life, spiritual beliefs and cosmology of the ancient inhabitants of the Peruvian jungle. Studying these petroglyphs helps archaeologists and anthropologists to reconstruct the history of the civilizations that left their legacy on these stones over the centuries.
Characteristics
Rock art: These are artistic representations engraved in stone, made with primitive tools. They include human figures, stylized animals and geometric symbols.
Cultural significance: Petroglyphs probably had ceremonial, religious or historical meanings for the civilizations that produced them. They may have served as visual records of important events, rituals or spiritual practices.
Conservation status: Although some petroglyphs may have been affected by the passage of time and exposure to the natural elements, many still retain their original features, allowing them to be studied and interpreted by archaeologists and experts.
Accessibility and study: They are accessible for archaeological research and controlled tourism, allowing visitors and specialists in ancient history to explore and learn about these cultural manifestations.
Description
- Human figures: They can be both silhouettes and more detailed figures, possibly representing people in daily or ceremonial activities.
- Animals: There are stylized representations of animals that could have had cultural or symbolic importance for the civilizations that created them. Among them could be birds, felines and other local animals.
- Geometric and abstract symbols: In addition to figurative figures, petroglyphs include geometric and abstract symbols, the exact meaning of which may vary and be subject to interpretation by archaeologists.
- Engraving techniques: Petroglyphs are carved into the rock using stone tools, which shows skill and technical knowledge on the part of ancient artists.
- Distribution and context: Petroglyphs are often arranged in groups or panels in specific areas of the landscape, suggesting that they were created in places of cultural or ceremonial significance.
