Petroglyphs of Vigirima, Ancient archaeological site in Municipio Guacara, Venezuela.
The Petroglyphs of Vigirima are rock carvings near Guacara featuring about 93 individual engravings that depict animals, people, and religious scenes. These carvings spread across a large rock surface and display different techniques and subjects.
These rock carvings were created about 2,000 years ago and recorded the daily life and beliefs of the region's early inhabitants. Some of the designs relate to movements in the sky and show what these people understood about the heavens.
The rock carvings show themes that connect to other pre-Columbian peoples across the region, suggesting shared beliefs among different groups. You can see these links today in how certain symbols and creatures appear repeatedly across these and similar sites.
The site sits in rough terrain that is difficult to reach, so bring sturdy gear and good walking shoes. Using a guide is important to safely reach the carvings and to learn what you are looking at.
Among the carvings is a striking image of a horned snake that stretches across a considerable distance. This unusually large single work stands out clearly from the smaller motifs around it and demonstrates the range of artistic expression at the site.
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