Giant 'Cat' Geoglyph Discovered in Nasca, Peru... At Risk of Disappearing Soon Due to Natural Erosion

Newly Discovered Feline-Shaped Geoglyph in Nasca, Peru / Source = Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Hana Na] A new geoglyph resembling a cat, approximately 37 meters in length, has been discovered in Nasca, Peru, where massive ancient drawings are concentrated.

On the 15th (local time), the Peruvian Ministry of Culture issued a press release stating that the new geoglyph was found during restoration work in the hilly area of southwestern Nasca, Peru.

The geoglyph was drawn on a steep slope, making it difficult to see, and was at risk of soon disappearing due to natural erosion.

The drawing measures 37 meters in width and is composed of lines 30 to 40 cm thick. The animal's body is oriented sideways, with its head facing forward.

According to Peruvian authorities, based on the characteristics of the drawing, it is estimated to date back to the late Paracas civilization. The Paracas civilization developed in this region between 700 BCE and 200 CE.

The Ministry of Culture noted that cats frequently appear in pottery and textiles from this period.

The Ministry added that since most geoglyphs in this area were created during the Nasca civilization, which appeared later than the Paracas civilization, the newly discovered feline geoglyph may be earlier than the others.

Meanwhile, the Nasca and nearby Palpa geoglyphs are mysterious sites registered as UNESCO World Heritage in 1994. This area features over 300 massive drawings on the ground, ranging from animals and plants such as hummingbirds, spiders, condors, monkeys, and trees to geometric patterns. Due to their enormous size, the geoglyphs are difficult to recognize with the naked eye and can only be fully appreciated from the air.