Werehpai, Pre-Columbian archaeological cave near Kwamalasamutu, Suriname
Werehpai is a cave system containing over 300 petroglyphs scattered across several rock formations, making it the largest site of its kind in the Guiana region. The carvings cover the rock walls and demonstrate a remarkable concentration of ancient markings from a single location.
Archaeological research from 2007 uncovered pottery fragments and charcoal remains dating between 5,000 and 4,200 years ago. These findings show that people visited and used this location across a span of many centuries.
The carvings depict animals, human forms, and patterns that reflect how ancient peoples of the region communicated and expressed their ideas. These images offer glimpses into the daily life and beliefs of those who lived here long ago.
Reaching this site requires traveling to Kwamalasamutu, then taking a boat and hiking through forest to arrive at the caves. Visitors should plan carefully and work with local guides, as the location is remote and accessible only under suitable conditions.
The site is named after an ancestral female hero of the Tiriyó people, and its discovery came about when a local man was searching for his lost dog. This chance finding reveals how important discoveries sometimes emerge from everyday moments rather than planned expeditions.
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