Photo Gallery

Monolithic statue from the ‘archaeological park’ of San Agustín (Huila Department, Colombia). The frequent depiction of human figures with big cat teeth bears witness to the jaguar cult that once prevailed here and, in conjunction with the child, suggests cannibalistic rites. The heyday of this culture is thought to have been around the time of Christ’s birth: by the time the Spanish arrived, it had long since died out. - Book: Picture 56 - Colombia - 1973

This statue is thought to depict a sun god holding two mazas (ceremonial staffs) in his hands and wearing the symbol of the tree of life on his headband. The various styles demonstrate that San Agustín served as a place of worship for centuries. Luis Duque Gomez, who has been looking after the ‘Parque’ for 25 years, distinguishes three phases. It remains a mystery why this culture did not spread to its wider surroundings, as other cultures in South America did. - Book: Picture 59 - Colombia - 1973

The statue known as ‘EI Tablón’ was interpreted as a moon goddess by the German archaeologist K. Th. Preuß, who worked in San Agustín in 1913–1914: today, the prevailing view is that it depicts a dignitary bearing the insignia of his power. The variety of styles attests to the fact that San Agustín served as a place of worship for centuries. Luis Duque Gomez, who has been looking after the ‘Parque’ for 25 years, distinguishes three phases. It remains a mystery why this culture did not spread to its wider surroundings, as other cultures in South America did. - Book: Picture 58 - Colombia - 1977

San Agustín culture, Colombia. A monolithic statue of a man with the ‘Second Self’, photographed at the Alto de las Piedras. - Book: Picture 43 - Colombia - 1977