Ancient Songs detected on Geometrical Petroglyphs!
In the heart of Peru's Castilla province lies a fascinating archaeological site known as Toro Muerto, or "Dead Bull", with over 3000 volcanic rocks etched with petroglyphs dating back to the Wari Culture of the Middle Horizon civilization, flourishing between AD 500 to 1000. These intricate carvings have puzzled researchers for decades, with interpretations ranging from symbolic representations of natural phenomena to depictions of cultural rituals.
Photo Credit: A. Rozwadowski
A recent study, published in the prestigious Cambridge Archaeological Journal, sheds new light on the enigmatic petroglyphs of Toro Muerto. Unlike previous theories linking the zigzag motifs to snakes or lightning and suggesting connections to fertility and water cults, this study proposes a new interpretation: the petroglyphs may actually represent ancient songs.
Central to this groundbreaking hypothesis is the comparison drawn between Toro Muerto's petroglyphs and the art of the Tukano people of the Colombian rainforest. The Tukano, known for their artistic expression via visionary experiences induced by the psychoactive drink yajé, crafted intricate designs featuring concentric circles, dots, wavy lines, zigzags, and crenellation motifs. These patterns, the study argues, symbolized creation myths and were intimately tied to dances and songs accompanied by musical instruments.
Moreover, parallels can be drawn with Mesoamerican iconography found in Maya, Mixtec, and Nahua codices, where similar dots, lines, and spirals may have depicted songs in visual form, representing the sonic sphere of culture.
The study authors propose that the geometric petroglyphs at Toro Muerto may be more than mere symbols; they could be graphic representations of songs themselves, independent of any depictions of mouths or bodies. This hypothesis challenges conventional interpretations and highlights the importance of considering the sonic sphere in understanding ancient cultures.
Photo Credit: A. Rozwadowski
Furthermore, an intriguing extension of this theory suggests that certain compositions, featuring dancers and intricate linear patterns, may symbolize a journey to the afterlife, adding a new dimension to our understanding of Toro Muerto's petroglyphs.
In the words of the study authors, "Our study demonstrates that some geometric images may have been embodiments of songs themselves, drawing from ethnographic analogies from Amazonia, specifically the art of the Tukano people."
The exploration of Toro Muerto's petroglyphs as representations of ancient songs opens up a new avenue for understanding the cultural and spiritual significance of these enigmatic carvings, offering a fresh perspective on human creativity across different civilizations and eras.