This section presents two slideshows. This page introduces the major types of petroglyphs that occur on the island, while the second is an in-depth examination of one of the sites, N-RIO-2 or 'El Corozal Viejo'. Please click through the slideshow below or 'Visit N-RIO-2' above.
The Petroglyphs
The petroglyphs below are representative samples of the types of motifs found on Ometepe. The major categories are abstract and representational. The former includes various types of curvi- and rectilinear motifs, while the latter includes zoomorphic and anthropomorphic ones. As noted earlier, the date, meaning, and social function of the petroglyphs remains obscure. Especially difficult are the abstract motifs: interpreters have variously seen them as maps, drug-induced imagery, or mere doodles. Click through the images below for larger pictures and more commentary
face.gif |
face2.gif |
Meander.gif |
Meander2.gif |
Meander3.gif |
Monkey.gif |
Recti.gif |
Recti2.gif |