The discovery was reported by Peru’s Ministry of Culture. The has drawn the attention of researchers worldwide due to its symbolic significance. According to experts, this is the first clay sculpture of its kind associated with the Caral civilization to be discovered by archaeologists.
The Frog – An Important Symbol in Andean Culture
Archaeologist Tetyana Abad, the head of the excavations at Vichama, explained that frogs played a significant role in the worldview of the Andean people.
“In the Andean world, frogs are associated with water and rainfall, which are crucial elements for agricultural cycles and survival in ancient societies,” she explained at a press conference in Lima.
These sculptural images resonate with other reliefs and carved figures found at Vichama. They were primarily dedicated to themes of poverty, fertility, and renewal, as reported by Arkeonews.
Artistic motifs embodied the community’s response to ecological crises and climate change faced by the thousands of years ago.
Ruth Sheidy, one of the leading researchers of this civilization, emphasized: “This discovery reinforces the messages embedded in the frescoes of Vichama. They tell stories about the scarcity of essential resources in light of climate change and demonstrate how ancient societies adapted to challenges that remain relevant today.”
The Archaeological Site of Vichama
Located 110 kilometers north of Lima in the Huaura Valley, the urban settlement of Vichama thrived during the later stages of the Caral civilization, around 1800 B.C.
The site spans 25 hectares and features 28 large architectural structures, including ceremonial plazas, public buildings, and residential quarters.
One of the most striking features of Vichama is the relief on clay bricks, depicting emaciated human figures, pregnant women, and agricultural motifs. These are symbolic allusions to fertility, hunger, and renewal. The reliefs, combined with the recently discovered frog sculpture, help deepen our understanding of how the inhabitants of Vichama connected spirituality, art, and survival strategies.
Excavations at Vichama began in 2007, and archaeologists continue to uncover unique artifacts to this day.
Caral – The Oldest Civilization in the Americas
The Caral civilization, also known as Norte Chico, dates back about 5,000 years. It is recognized as the oldest complex society in the Americas. In 2009, Caral was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The largest city of the civilization, Caral-Supe, was considered sacred. Its territory contains the ruins of pyramids, circular plazas, amphitheaters, and residential complexes.
The Caral civilization thrived largely due to agriculture, fishing, trade, and religious rituals. Its people possessed deep knowledge in astronomy, architecture, and irrigation. Moreover, its cultural legacy influenced later Andean societies, including Chavín, Moche, and ultimately, the Inca Empire.
Archaeologists believe that the discovered frog sculpture not only enriches our understanding of Vichama and Caral but also highlights the global significance of Peru’s archaeological heritage.
“This discovery reminds us that ancient societies faced ecological challenges that are strikingly similar to our own,” Sheidy noted.
For archaeologists and historians, this sculpture is a rare and incredibly valuable artifact that opens new horizons for studying early Andean civilizations. It symbolizes the profound spiritual connection between humanity, nature, and survival, which remains relevant today.
Photo: Peru’s Ministry of Culture