After a complex journey yesterday, we finally arrived in San Agustín, Colombia’s most important archaeological site. Over 2000 years ago, unknown peoples started carving the volcanic rock lying about the place into wonderful statues of mythical creatures, strange tomb guardians, animals, and so on. We visited the park this morning, spending over four hours transfixed by these strange megaliths. There are over 100 in the park and I think I have photos of all of them, but we’ll spare you. Here are a few of our favourites, together with some flora because we’ve failed on that score so far – Colombia’s trees and flowers are hugely varied and, here back in the Andes, so verdant. The final image of a butterfly is included to represent the many dozens of varieties we have seen (and I have tried to photograph).
Are those pink bananas?
Yes, I think so – though they may just be decorative? Not close enough to pick one and see!
The extraordinary statues seem to be Aztec-like?
Weirder I think. They all have these huge round eyes and many have alarming teeth and odd animal features.
Pre Columbian art is always so intriguing isn’t it, probably because so little is known about it. Re the bananas, definitely edible. Miriam probably remembers, they weren’t uncommon in Africa but clearly no export market.
Yes, intriguing and mysterious – these odd, staring deities(?), Guardians, shamans are some of the strangest we’ve ever seen. And yes, I’m sure you’re right about the bananas – I remember eating small red ones in Africa. We’ve passed huge Chiquita plantations sadly
This looks amazing! And also not a lot of people. You two really seem to be enjoying yourselves! Gx
It’s so different to be almost alone with these strange figures – happily none seems to be posing for selfies in front of them.
Fantastic photos, the ‘sue for scale’ is particularly helpful 😀
Oh good – its puzzling I think if you don’t know if something is a few inches tall or several feet
Such an interesting and varied country. Those statues are wonderful. You are missing Storm Ciara here!
Not sorry to miss Storm Ciara. What about Storm Sinn Fein?