Mysteries of the Past: Archaeological Record of Cave Paintings from Viza and Tayales, North of Santo Tomás, Cutervo, Cajamarca, Peru

Regalado J.R.M.; Llanos D.M.J.; Monteza A.H.; Baique N.A. · Arqueologia Iberoamericana (2025) · DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.15788571

Resumen

In the mountainous area of northern Cajamarca, the Viza and Tayales communities are home to an important group of cave paintings that constitute a visual testimony of the thought, beliefs, and daily life of ancient Andean societies. This study aimed to document and analyze these graphic representations, located between 1,000 and 1,900 meters above sea level, in the district of Santo Tomás, Cutervo province, Peru. The recorded evidence includes human figures, animals, and geometric shapes, whose arrangement suggests not only an artistic purpose but also a symbolic, spiritual, and territorial function. Field analysis allowed us to identify iconographic patterns linked to rituals, worldviews, and social organization in accordance with contemporary archaeological theories. The use of local mineral pigments was also documented, indicating a technical knowledge of the natural environment. However, this cultural legacy faces significant risks of deterioration due to environmental factors and a lack of institutional protection. The results of this study contribute to the understanding of rock art in northern Peru and promote its recognition as part of the regional cultural heritage. © ARQUEOLOGÍA IBEROAMERICANA.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Intercultural de la Amazonia; Universidad Nacional de Jaén