The Atacama Giant: the geoglyph challenging our understanding of the past
While the Nazca Lines in Peru are the most famous geoglyphs globally, the Atacama Desert in Chile hosts another equally remarkable and impressive collection. Among these stands the enigmatic Atacama Giant.
The Atacama Desert is located in northern Chile, in the Antofagasta region and the northern part of the Atacama region. It is a harsh and barren landscape, known as the driest desert in the world. Here there is a remarkable group of geoglyphs that researchers have been trying to explain for years.
Although the Atacama geoglyphs are less well known than those of the Nazca plateau, they are much more numerous, more varied in style, and cover a much larger area. It is a collection of over 5 thousand geometric, zoomorphic and anthropomorphic figures.
According to the most accredited hypotheses, the Atacama geoglyphs were created between 600 and 1500 AD, but others think they may be much older. Dating geoglyphs is always problematic, as radiocarbon dating is not possible.
It is commonly believed that the production of the Atacama geoglyphs can be attributed to different cultures that followed one another in the region, including the Tiahuanaco and the Inca.
The geoglyphs were traced using three different techniques: extractive, additive and mixed. The extraction technique involves removing the top layer of soil, in order to create the desired image. This is the most common technique encountered.
The additive technique, on the other hand, involves the collection of material, such as stones or gravel, which is then accumulated on the surface of the ground to form the outline of the desired figure. Finally, the mixed technique involves the use of both techniques. Fortunately, the geoglyphs have survived the passage of time and exposure to the elements.
One of the most intriguing and controversial geoglyphs is the so-called Atacama Giant, whose true meaning and interpretation continues to be a subject of debate among scientists.
It is an anthropomorphic figure located on a hill known as the “Cerro Unitas”. It measures 119 meters high and is the largest geoglyph known in the world.
It is characterized by a large square head and long, highly stylized legs. From each side of the giant's head it is possible to notice the exit of four lines, similar to light rays.
To date, there is no explanation or theory that unravels the mystery of the strange characteristics of this enormous geoglyph. According to the interpretation of some researchers, it could be a sort of astronomical calendar that measured the movement of the Moon.
Another hypothesis proposes that it represent an unknown deity venerated by the local population. Other theories suggest that it may be the marking of a sacred initiation path, the indication of an ancient language or the celebration of an alien paleocontact.
Next to the giant it is possible to observe images of llamas, lizards, cats, birds and fish. In other cases, one notices disconcerting geometric figures that only deepen the enigma of the interpretation and reason for such a disconcerting collection of figures.
