British and Colombian archaeologists have discovered monumental rock art along the Orinoco River that separates Colombia from Venezuela, in a region the Prussian explorer Alexander von Humboldt (1769-1859) once called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”
Covering 14 sites in the remote Orinoco Basin, the researchers unveiled engravings, some over 40 meters long, which are believed to mark the territorial boundaries of prehistoric indigenous peoples.
The expedition, led by Dr. Philip Riris, a Senior Lecturer in Archaeological Environmental Modelling at Bournemouth University, involved a team from Bournemouth University, University College London, and the Universidad de Los Andes in Bogotá. The archaeologists collaborated with local guides and used advanced drone photography to map the extensive rock art. While some sites were previously known, the researchers discovered several more, indicating that these engravings were created at least 2,000 years ago, and possibly even earlier.
The findings were published in the UK journal Antiquity. Among the largest engravings is a 42-meter-long snake, believed to be a boa constrictor or anaconda. This species also appears in ancient rock engravings along the Apaporis and Caquetá rivers in Western Colombia.
“Anacondas and boas are linked not only to the creator deity of some Indigenous groups but are also seen as lethal beings,” explained Dr. Riris in Antiquity. “We believe these engravings served to mark territory, signaling local presence and expected behavior. The monumental scale of these sites indicates they were meant to be seen from a distance, asserting dominance and control over the landscape.”
In the cosmology of the Piaroa people, who lived in the western forests of the Orinoco in relative isolation until the 20th Century, the anaconda Cuämoi (or Kuemoi) is an antagonistic figure. According to Piaroa mythology, Cuämoi’s daughter, Cuähua, created rock art as she traveled the Orinoco while in exile. “That reference to exile is like a warning of territorial limits,” explained co-author Dr. Natalia Lozada Mendieta, an anthropologist at the Universidad de Los Andes. “It is a powerful symbol of boundaries and the cultural significance of these areas.”
Dr. José Oliver of the UCL Institute of Archaeology highlighted that the engravings are concentrated along the Atures Rapids, an essential prehistoric trade and travel route that was also used by Humboldt to reach the Central Andes.
Carved into giant black granite massifs that are a characteristic to the Guiana Shield rock formation – including the Cerros de Mavecure near Inírida, Guainia – the early inhabitants of this region saw rock art not merely as decorative but as serving a critical function in protecting ancestral identity and collective narratives. “The Atures Rapids would have been a key point of contact for different groups,” said Dr. Oliver. “Marking territory in such a prominent location underscores the importance of these engravings in maintaining social and cultural order.”
The research also shows the importance of preserving monumental sites that span the Colombian and Venezuelan Orinoco, which have faced threats from vandalism and environmental degradation. “The engravings are a testament to the ingenuity and cultural complexity of the prehistoric peoples of the Orinoco region,” said Dr. Riris. “Protecting them is crucial for understanding our shared human heritage.”
Dr. Lozada Mendieta emphasized the strong connection local communities have with the rock art, noting that they are likely the best custodians moving forward. “Many of the communities around these sites feel a very strong connection to the rock art,” she said. “Their involvement in preservation efforts is essential to ensure these sites are protected for future generations.”
The researchers hope to involve local tourism guides and Indigenous communities in ongoing research and preservation efforts. “Local tourism guides and Indigenous communities are crucial partners in our efforts,” said Dr. Riris. “Their knowledge and connection to the land are invaluable in protecting these sites from further harm,” he stated in the academic journal.
The engravings also challenge views of the region’s isolation, as well as migration patterns and vast communications used by Indigenous communities some 9,000 years ago. “The sheer number of these signs indicates that in the past, this was a densely occupied part of the South American lowlands,” said Dr. Riris. “This contradicts the popular view that the Orinoco region was largely barren and unoccupied before European colonists arrived. Our findings suggest a vibrant, complex society with sophisticated ways of marking and defending their territory.”
The discovery of these monumental engravings not only sheds light on the rich prehistoric culture of the Orinoco, but also highlights the critical role of Indigenous communities in preserving their heritage. “This is not just about protecting old rocks,” said Dr. Lozada Mendieta. “It’s about acknowledging and respecting the deep historical roots and cultural significance these engravings hold for the Indigenous people of the Orinoco. They are the living descendants of the artists who created these masterpieces, and their involvement is vital.”
As research continues, the team plans to deepen their collaboration with local communities and authorities to develop sustainable preservation strategies. “We’ve registered these sites with the Colombian and Venezuelan national heritage entities,” noted Lozada Mendieta. “But the real guardians of these sites are the local communities who have lived with this heritage for generations. Moving forward, we believe they are likely to be the best custodians.”
The groundbreaking discovery will also provide key information on how the peoples of the Orinoco River basin created other majestic works of art in Colombia’s PNN Chiribiquete National Park and sheer rock face petroglyphs that could be among the oldest in the world, dating back an estimated 20,000 to 25,000 years.
