In Peru’s Nazca desert, archaeologists have made an incredible discovery – a massive etching of a cat on the side of a hill. This ancient geoglyph, estimated to be around 2,000 years old, was at risk of being destroyed by erosion.
When viewed from above, the cat-shaped design appears as if it’s about to pounce off the hill. It stretches about 120 feet in length and is believed to have been created between 100 and 200 BCE. The lines that form the image are approximately 11 to 15 inches wide.
Geoglyphs are formed by removing the top layer of pebbles and rocks to reveal a different-colored layer beneath, which can then create specific patterns or outlines. These types of drawings found in Peru are known as the Nazca Lines.
Uncovering the cat geoglyph was no easy task. According to the Peruvian Minister of Culture, the shape was barely visible and on the verge of disappearing due to natural erosion on the steep slope it was carved into.
The cat etching now joins the UNESCO-certified Nazca Lines, which include over 1,500 ancient works that have been uncovered and preserved in the area. Among these carvings, you can find depictions of various animals such as a hummingbird, dog, spider, fish, and monkey.
There’s one geoglyph in particular that has sparked quite a debate. Some people believe it portrays a humanoid figure resembling an astronaut, leading to theories suggesting ancient astronauts or aliens were involved in creating these colossal figures. However, it has been proven that the artists didn’t require the ability to fly to make these larger-than-life portraits.
The fading feline geoglyph may be relatively small compared to others, but it stands as one of the oldest discovered to date. Some of the more famous Nazca Lines stretch up to 1,200 feet in length.
These incredible etchings were created by the Nazca people, an indigenous civilization in Peru that vanished many centuries ago. Their artistic legacy continues to capture our imagination and shed light on the rich history of the region.
