Monumental snake engravings of the Orinoco River

Authors: Riris, P., Oliver, J.R. and Lozada Mendieta, N.

Journal: Antiquity

Volume: 98

Issue: 399

Pages: 724-742

ISSN: 0003-598X

DOI: 10.15184/aqy.2024.55

Abstract:

Rock art of the Middle and Upper Orinoco River in South America is characterised by some of the largest and most enigmatic engravings in the world, including snakes exceeding 40m in length. Here, the authors map the geographic distribution of giant snake motifs and assess the visibility of this serpentine imagery within the Orinoco landscape and Indigenous myths. Occupying prominent outcrops that were visible from great distances, the authors argue that the rock art provided physical reference points for cosmogonic myths, acting as border agents that structured the environment and were central to Indigenous placemaking along the rivers of lowland South America.

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/39604/

Source: Scopus

Monumental snake engravings of the Orinoco River

Authors: Riris, P.

Journal: Antiquity: a quarterly review of archaeology

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

ISSN: 0003-598X

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/39604/

Source: Manual

Monumental snake engravings of the Orinoco River

Authors: Riris, P.

Journal: Antiquity: a quarterly review of archaeology

Volume: 98

Issue: 399

Pages: 724-742

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

ISSN: 0003-598X

Abstract:

Rock art of the Middle and Upper Orinoco River in South America is characterised by some of the largest and most enigmatic engravings in the world, including snakes exceeding 40m in length. Here, the authors map the geographic distribution of giant snake motifs and assess the visibility of this serpentine imagery within the Orinoco landscape and Indigenous myths. Occupying prominent outcrops that were visible from great distances, the authors argue that the rock art provided physical reference points for cosmogonic myths, acting as border agents that structured the environment and were central to Indigenous placemaking along the rivers of lowland South America.

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/39604/

Source: BURO EPrints