Located near the Ingá River in northeast Brazil’s Paraíba state, the Ingá Stone, also known as Pedra do Ingá, is a captivating archaeological site. This large basalt rock formation features intricate carvings of geometric shapes, animals, and human-like figures, believed to have been created by pre-Columbian indigenous people. Although the exact age and meaning of these carvings remain debated, some theories suggest they could be several thousand years old, possibly dating back to the Archaic period, up to 10,000 years ago.
The main rock art panels form a wall 24 meters (79 feet) long and 3.5 meters (11.5 feet) high, making the Ingá Stone one of the largest rock art sites in South America. These generally non-figurative engravings were created by pecking at the stone and polishing the grooves, with some figures retaining traces of pigment, indicating they may have been colored.
The carvings’ potential representations range from astronomical constellations to depictions of animals and fruits, offering insights into the region’s prehistoric cultures. The Ingá Stone site is recognized for its artistic and historical importance and was one of the first monuments of protected rock art in Brazil. Its allure lies in its artistic and cultural significance, the presence of symbols resembling ancient scripts, potential astronomical alignments, and the enduring mystery of its origins and purpose