Definition of Nazca Culture

In the geographical limits of Peru there are important vestiges of ancient pre-Columbian cultures. Among them, the so-called Nazca Culture stands out, a remarkable example of the pre-Inca past. This developed between the 1st and 7th centuries of our era, specifically in the department of Ica, very close to the banks of the Rio Grande.

The archaeological finds were discovered in 1900 by a German researcher, Federico Max Uhle (his Investigations in Peru and other countries were sponsored by the "American Exploration Society in Philadelphia ")

A town dedicated to agriculture and fishing

Although the Nazcas settled in a territory dry and arid, the farming it was their main activity. To irrigate the crops they built a complex network of aqueducts and canals. They grew beans, corn, squash, yucca and cotton. Another of their main activities was fishing, since their settlements were very close to the sea.

Among the cultural aspects, the so-called Nazca lines stand out.

Ceramic is one of the traits distinctive of this culture. It is a very colorful ceramic full of symbols (marine elements, animal ornaments, floral elements ...). The most typical shape of the vessels is the bottle with a bridge handle.

In the geoglyphs drawn in the I usually they appear strange figures with a disproportionate size. These forms are known by a denomination, the "Nazca lines". Experts disagree on its meaning.

For some, the lines express complex ideas of a speculative nature, and for others they are indications of a scientific nature (in this sense, it is affirmed that they could be a species from laboratory astronomical). In any case, the figures represent animals, men and strange shapes. Like other archaeological remains, these are also interpreted as proof of the presence of extraterrestrial beings throughout history.

From an architectural point of view, the urban complex of Cahuachi stands out on the banks of the Rio Grande. These are constructions made of adobe where the Nazcas had their administrative and religious center.

We know that the Nazcas were lovers of music because all kinds of instruments have been found. Among them are the antaras, flutes made with reed reeds.

Some strange skulls

Among the remains found have been skulls with a hole in the forehead and with the mouth sewn with thorns. About them there are two interpretations: they could be trophy heads that the warriors cut off their enemies and they were worn around the waist or neck or they could symbolize some ritual related to the fertility.

Fotolia photos: Matyas Rehak / Ecuadorquerido