Geoglyphs at Tiliviche Chile

There are many geoglyph sites in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile; most probably date from before the time of the Incas though exactly who made... more

by James Brunker

Title

Geoglyphs at Tiliviche Chile

Artist

James Brunker

Medium

Photograph

Description

There are many geoglyph sites in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile; most probably date from before the time of the Incas though exactly who made them and why is often a subject of conjecture. These ones in the Tiliviche Valley depict a large number of llamas / camelids on the southern side of the valley, nearly all facing towards the coast. It is likely these ones were made to mark the route taken by llama caravans from the highlands towards the coast (many early cultures lived in the river valleys that cross the region or on the coast and there was considerable trade with the civilisations of the Andean highlands). Other theories suggest they have a ceremonial purpose, or that they mark the presence of good grazing and water supplies or an area where predators are present.

Photograph © James Brunker. Reproduction, publication, transmission or use in any form without written permission prohibited.

Uploaded

May 31st, 2014