Ancient Artworks Stretching Across Chile's Deserts

As hundreds of motorists take to the desert, their tracks damage the massive geoglyphs made by Indigenous groups in northern Chile

Julia Binswanger
Daily Correspondent

September 26, 2024 5:40 p.m.



Lines from tire tracks can be seen running through historic geoglyphs in the Atacama Desert. Atacama Desert Foundation

Within the vast, sun-scorched sands of the Atacama Desert lie ancient geoglyphs—carvings etched into the hillsides more than 1,000 years ago by Indigenous groups in northern Chile. But now, these archaeological wonders are threatened by the wheels of off-road vehicles, whose tracks are erasing pieces of history faster than they can be protected.

Unfortunately, new drone footage shows that permanent damage has been done.

“Where you leave your mark is your decision. Don’t do it on the geoglyphs. Not on the history of this land,” wrote the Atacama Desert Foundation in an Instagram post, per a translation by El Pais’ María Victoria Agouborde.

The geoglyphs at Alto Barranco in Chile’s Tarapacá region have been sliced with dozens of tire tracks. In the photos, the ancient carvings almost look like they have been graffitied over.

According to the Ministry of National Assets, the carvings once served as navigational beacons, pointi ng to water flows and travel routes. The figures are considered archaeological monuments and include depictions of humans and animals, as well as geometric patterns.

The archaeological site has remained in such remarkable condition due to the dry climate and conditions of the desert. Rain rarely falls in the area, so human activity is the main threat to the geoglyphs’ preservation.

More:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/off-road-drivers-are-destroying-ancient-artworks-stretching-across-chiles-deserts-180985155/