Tragedy struck on Sunday at the Maokatao Petroglyph complex when a fire was set and destroyed a section of the historical site at Aishalton, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).
Fire set to the Maokatao Petroglyph Complex (Michael Thomas photo)
The incident was publicised by Toshao Michael Thomas on social media, who described it as “traumatic”. According to him, they were still in the process of preserving the site. Those who were responsible for the act were condemned.
“A very traumatic scene this afternoon at the Maokatao Petroglyph complex. We are still in the process of executing a project called “ Protection and Preservation of Aishalton Petroglyph” under the Amerindian Affairs Ministry. Part of this was burnt this afternoon by a rapid fire set by irresponsible people who do not seem to see what we see,” Thomas penned.
The Toshao explained that two councillors were instrumental in keeping the blaze under control.
Makaotao Mountain, which is situated approximately three kilometres outside Aishalton village, is one of Guyana’s most well-known archaeological sites. It is particularly well known for the numerous petroglyphs that are found on rock-formations.
In the 1970s, Guyanese anthropologist Denis Williams, undertook a detailed archaeological study of the area and his research uncovered 686 petroglyphs that are mainly representations of humans, animals and plants as well as geometric arrangements. Williams estimated the date of the petroglyphs at 3000–5000 BCE, and described them as belonging to a specific type of petroglyph—subsequently referred to as the “Aishalton type”..
Williams also discovered 84 stone tools that had been used in the carving of the petroglyphs. (G12)
