Some Specialists believe that the world’s largest astronomical calendar was drawn by the Nazcas on the dry plains of Southern Peru. While others believe that the lines drawn on the expansive wastes are huge birds, animals and geometric figures. What exactly do these lines signify? Yet they are laid across the desert by the Nazca Indians 1,500 years ago, even long before man could fly.
The Nazca region lies between the Paific Coast of Southern Peru and the Andean foothills. The entire regiois made up of strange lines – some in geometric shapes, some in the shape of animals and birds. The lines and pattern on the desert foor seems to be the work of a mad geometrician and a giant. The archaeology and the archaeolotogists have vague answers.
Despite all the research, no plausible explanation has been offered. On the other hand, it has facilitated the birth of innumerable suppositions and superstitions. Some people believe that these drawings must have been made by unknown extra-terrestrial beings. While others point out that the Peruvian desert was being used as an astro port by space craft thousands o years ago.
The lines are more bewildering as sometimes lines could only be seen from an altitude of above 1,000 ft. and some designs are closely intermingled, that they refect a picture of a sci-f novel. In addition to these drawings and incomprehensible lines, the Nazca region has experienced no rain for 10,000 years. But this has been due to scientific reason – the cool prevailing winds from the ocean a could hardly pick up the moisture from the chilly waters of the Humboldt current. Furthermore, the erosion on the slopes of Peru is quite similar to the space probes on Mars. To test it scientifically, the NASA (National Aeronautical and Space Administration) has sent a team of scientists to study the erosion and the possibility of life on Mars.
It was only in 1947 that these mysterious, enigmatic lines attracted attention. Dr. Paul Kosok of Long Island University was the first one to examine the land. He examined the plain from the plane and named the unique area as, “the largest astronomy book in the world.”
His work laws followed by a German mathematician and astronomer, Maria Reiche. She studied the area for more than 30 years and is now 70 years old. She criss-crossed it step by step on triangular, quadrangular or parallel lines and sometimes on zig- zags. She researched exhaustively and drew the conclusion that tons of small stones must have been moved to create the outlines of each lines. And the positioning must have been done in accordance with a calculated plan. To draw lines, she proposed the theory that they must have stretched strings from posts. These posts are still visible. And the carbon – 14 method has dated these post back to 500 A.D. Maria Reiche also found out from the designs the unit of measurement that the Nazcas must have used.
The two members of the International Explorers Society of Coral Gables, Florida based their ideas on a painted Nazca ceramics. These two members – Julian Knott and Jim Woodman, they along with some other members believed that Nazcas could not have composed such complicated designs without having an aerial view.
Some other researchers have tried to reason out the secret of Nazcas by studying tombs in the Paracas region. They believe that the nearby site, Necropolis dates to the same period and was used as the burial place for nobles and priests. In the excavation, about a 400 mummies wrapped in shrouds and elaborate cloaks have been found. The date of their burial is estimated to be around 2000 years ago.
Some Peuvian archaeologists share the views of Paul Korok and Maria Reiche. They agree that Nazca drawings are an astronomical calendar. It is also presumed by some scholars that the Nazcas used to read the news of different weather signs from the fight patterns of seabird. In fact, Indians of Peru still believe in the magical powers of animals and they see the shapes of these animals in the stars. A few theorists believe that the figures of the desert zoo are reproductions of the shapes made by groups of stars. Another theory is that they could have been the magical religious cult expressed in a theatrical ritual.
Of the reason behind triangular, trapezoidal or quadrangular ‘runway’ opinions differ. According to some, there were places of assembly. Others believe that they must have been astronomical observations. And according to some, it would have been a ground, guided by the spirits. Another group believes that burnt offerings were made to the Nazca Gods there. There are innumerable beliefs. Theorists have not arrived on a single platform for agreement.
Astronomer Gerald S. Hawkins used computer in 1960 to check the astronomical interpretation of the Nazca complex. The result was disappointing. The computer totally negate the research of so many years. It proved that Nazca lines were not designed as a calendar.
The question remains – what did these unique lines signify? However, the Peru government has taken precaution to avoid spoiling these designs. It has banned walking or driving over the area except on special permission. The tourists are allowed to see the enigma from a roadside observation tower.
