Petroglyphs of Jinkiori

Details of Petroglyphs of Jinkiori

The petroglyphs of Jinkiori are petroglyphs that are engraved in a big rock called the “Monolith of Jinkiori".

Location

The rock is located near Quero River two hours walking from the town of Pilcopata (Cusco region).

Recent studies

The petroglyphs that were engraved directly on the monolith have an Amazonian origin. There is also a strange engraving that resembles a key. These petroglyphs can be abstract representations of mythological or cosmological beliefs, made by people that have assumed ayahuasca (yajé). It is possible that the engravers were ancestors of Huachipaeri, an indigenous group that live until now in the Kosnipata valley.

An interesting characteristic of the Monolith is a little basin possibly of artificial origin. There is the possibility that the basin was used as recipient where the corn was stuffed in order to transform it into a typical Amazonian drink called chicha. Another theory is that the little basin could have been used to purify a baby, submerging him inside the basin full of water.

External links

Description of engravings