https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/dec/19/peru-nazca-plain-ancient-art-new-designs-discovered

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Peru

More than 100 new designs discovered in Peru's ancient Nazca plain

Findings this month of geoglyphs, which date back more than 2,000
years, are smaller and can be seen from the ground

Researchers discovered over 100 new ancient designs in Peru's Nazca
Lines.
[ ]
Researchers discovered over 100 new ancient designs in Peru's Nazca
Lines. Photograph: Yamagata University/Reuters
Researchers discovered over 100 new ancient designs in Peru's Nazca
Lines. Photograph: Yamagata University/Reuters

Reuters in Lima

Mon 19 Dec 2022 13.29 ESTLast modified on Tue 20 Dec 2022 06.17 EST

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More than 100 new designs discovered in and around Peru's ancient
Nazca plain and surrounding areas could bring new information to
light about the mysterious pre-Columbian artworks that have intrigued
scientists and visitors for decades.

Following two years of field surveys with aerial photos and drones,
Peruvian and Japanese researches from Yamagata University earlier
this month reported the discovery of 168 new designs at the Unesco
World Heritage site on Peru's southern Pacific coast.

 
Huge cat found etched into desert among Nazca Lines in Peru
Read more

The geoglyphs, huge figures carved into the South American desert,
date back more than 2,000 years and represent humans, cats, snakes,
killer whales, birds and native camalids - animals such as llamas,
guanacos and alpacas.

Jorge Olano, head archaeologist for the Nazca Lines research program,
said the newly discovered figures averaged between 2 and 6 meters
(6.56 to 19.7ft) in length. The purpose of the Nazca Lines, which
could only be seen from the air, remains a mystery.

This month's findings, however, are smaller and can be seen from the
ground, Masato Sakai, a professor from Yamagata University who led
the study, told Reuters.

The figures, iconic vestiges of Peru's rich history, are about a
three-hour drive from the capital, Lima.

Researchers had already discovered 190 figures in the area since
2004. But the vastness of the terrain they cover has complicated
efforts to study and conserve the heritage site.

Yamagata University said the research will be used in artificial
intelligence-based surveys to help inform the lines' preservation.

Studies from the university in collaboration with Peru's government
have helped delineate and protect the area, which is facing threats
from urban and economic developments.

"Some geoglyphs are in danger of being destroyed due to the recent
expansion of mining-related workshops in the archaeological park,"
Sakai said.

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