11.1 Discovery and documentation of the Nazca Lines

The Nazca Lines, discovered in 1927, are ancient geoglyphs etched into the Peruvian desert. Initially mistaken for irrigation canals, these mysterious designs remained largely unrecognized until aerial surveys in the 1940s revealed their true scale and intricacy.

Key researchers like Maria Reiche dedicated decades to studying the lines, developing theories about their purpose. The geoglyphs include linear designs, geometric figures, and depictions of animals and plants, created by removing dark surface pebbles to reveal lighter subsoil.

Discovery and Initial Documentation

Discovery of Nazca Lines

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• Peruvian archaeologist Toribio Mejia Xesspe stumbled upon lines in 1927 while hiking through foothills initially mistook them for irrigation canals
• Ground-level visibility hampered recognition of patterns due to limited perspective made it challenging to discern overall designs
• Early theories proposed ancient roads or astronomical alignments sparked curiosity and debate among researchers

Role of aerial photography

• Paul Kosok's 1941 flyover marked first aerial study noticed solar alignment of one line during winter solstice revolutionized understanding
• Aerial surveys in 1940s and 1950s unveiled full scale and intricacy of designs enabled mapping of previously unknown figures
• Aerial perspective allowed viewing entire figures at once facilitated identification of patterns and relationships between geoglyphs

Key Researchers and Geoglyph Types

Contributions of key researchers

• Maria Reiche, German-born mathematician and archaeologist, dedicated over 50 years to studying lines developed theories about astronomical and calendrical purposes
• Reiche's conservation efforts included lobbying for site protection cleaning and maintaining lines educating locals about their importance
• Hans Horkheimer, Peruvian-based German archaeologist, conducted early systematic studies of geoglyphs contributed to scientific understanding

Types of Nazca geoglyphs

• Linear geoglyphs stretch for kilometers include trapezoidal shapes (Nazca Lines)
• Geometric figures encompass triangles rectangles spirals (Spiral)
• Biomorphs depict animals and plants (Hummingbird, Monkey, Spider, Tree)
• Anthropomorphic figures feature human-like designs ("Astronaut" or "Owl Man")
• Creation techniques involved:
  1. Removing dark surface pebbles
  2. Revealing lighter subsoil
  3. Creating negative geoglyphs by darkening areas around lighter lines