11.2 Theories on the purpose and creation of the geoglyphs

The Nazca Lines, ancient geoglyphs in Peru, have sparked various theories about their purpose. Astronomers suggest they're a celestial calendar, while others see them as part of water-seeking rituals or shamanic practices. These ideas highlight the lines' potential spiritual significance.

Practical theories propose the geoglyphs served as trails, ceremonial stages, or agricultural markers. Their construction involved simple tools and benefited from the arid climate. While some theories are more plausible than others, the true purpose remains a mystery.

Astronomical and Spiritual Theories

Astronomical alignment theory

Top images from around the web for Astronomical alignment theory

• 

  The Nasca Lines | The Nazca Lines are a series of ancient ge… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Nazca Lines - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Nazca lines - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Nasca Lines | The Nazca Lines are a series of ancient ge… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Nazca Lines - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Astronomical alignment theory

• 

  The Nasca Lines | The Nazca Lines are a series of ancient ge… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Nazca Lines - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Nazca lines - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Nasca Lines | The Nazca Lines are a series of ancient ge… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Nazca Lines - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Maria Reiche German mathematician and archaeologist proposed Nazca lines used as astronomical calendar
• Lines and figures aligned with celestial bodies (Sun, moon, planets, stars) tracked solstices and equinoxes
• Geoglyphs marked seasonal changes aided agricultural planning
• Some lines point to specific horizon points where celestial events occur certain figures may represent constellations (Orion, Pleiades)
• Critics argue not all lines align with astronomical phenomena and scale of geoglyphs makes precise measurements challenging

Water cult theory

• Johan Reinhard American archaeologist emphasized importance of water in arid Nazca region
• Lines lead to underground water sources or aquifers marked water-related sacred sites
• Geoglyphs part of water-seeking or water-worshipping ceremonies possibly used in rain-making rituals
• Water crucial resource in desert environment vital for agriculture and survival
• Presence of aquifers and underground water systems in region some animal figures associated with water (whale, fish)
• Not all geoglyphs directly linked to water sources difficult to prove ritual purposes without written records

Shamanic ritual theory

• Anthropologists studying Andean cultures connect geoglyphs to spiritual and religious practices
• Geoglyphs served as pathways for spiritual journeys possibly involving hallucinogenic substances (San Pedro cactus)
• Animal figures represented spirit guides or totems (hummingbird, monkey) geometric shapes depicted visions or spiritual concepts
• Lines used for shamanic ceremonies potential use in initiation rites or vision quests
• Shamanism integral to Andean societies integrated spiritual practices with daily life and natural phenomena
• Presence of psychoactive plants in region similarities to other Andean shamanic practices and iconography (Chavín culture)
• Interpreting specific ritual uses challenging without direct evidence symbols and figures open to varied interpretations

Practical Theories

Practical uses of geoglyphs

• Trail theory suggests lines served as pathways for travel or trade routes (Inca Trail) connected sacred sites
• Ceremonial procession theory proposes geoglyphs as stages for large-scale rituals organized group movements
• Agricultural purposes geoglyphs marked planting or harvesting seasons aided irrigation planning and water management
• Territorial markers lines and figures defined boundaries between Nazca groups symbolized clan or tribal identity
• Construction involved removing dark surface rocks to reveal lighter subsoil used simple tools and surveying methods (wooden stakes, rope)
• Arid climate and stable weather patterns contributed to preservation minimal human interference due to remote location
• Some lines too narrow for practical use as pathways complex animal and plant figures purpose difficult to explain