San Agustín: Ceremonial and Funerary Center
Where the rocks hold the secrets of the ancient inhabitants of the Upper Magdalena
Frontal View of the Eastern Mound – Mesita A (2023) by Juana Segura and Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History – ICANHInstituto Colombiano de Antropología e Historia – ICANH
The San Agustín Archaeological Park is a site of great historical significance. The region served as a ceremonial and funerary center, where complex religious and social practices developed over more than 2,000 years.
Statue with Human and Animal Features – San Agustín Archaeological Park (2023) by Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History – ICANH, Communications TeamInstituto Colombiano de Antropología e Historia – ICANH
This archaeological site contains numerous monolithic statues, tombs, mounds, and terraces built by the ancient inhabitants of the Upper Magdalena region. The park's vastness and diversity reflect its cultural richness and social complexity.
Elevated Perspective of Mesita A’s Funerary Complex (2023) by Juana Segura and Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History – ICANHInstituto Colombiano de Antropología e Historia – ICANH
Advanced technique and understanding of the environment
One can observe the engineering works carried out by the ancient inhabitants to adapt the terrain: flattening hilltops, filling in depressions, building elevated roads over embankments, and reinforcing the fills with stone structures.
Illustration of the Statuary – San Agustín Archaeological Park (2019) by David GuarnizoInstituto Colombiano de Antropología e Historia – ICANH
Statuary: Linking Worlds
These statues, as central elements in the architectural layout of the burials, link the buried individual to this supernatural world. Through their permanence and monumentality, the statues emphasized the spiritual power of the deceased.
San Agustin Archaeological Park (2023) by Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History – ICANH, Communications Team.Instituto Colombiano de Antropología e Historia – ICANH
Layout of Burial Sites
A recurring pattern consists of a large central statue flanked by two smaller ones, one on each side. Behind them, a chamber built with stone slabs was constructed to hold funerary offerings or human remains.
Sculptural Heritage – San Agustín Archaeological Park (2023) by ICANHInstituto Colombiano de Antropología e Historia – ICANH
Although the exact meaning of all the representations is not fully known, they likely reflect a close relationship between religious beliefs and the individuals buried in the tombs accompanied by these statues.
Anthropomorphic Monolithic Statue (2023) by Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History – ICANH, Communications Team.Instituto Colombiano de Antropología e Historia – ICANH
World Heritage
UNESCO designated San Agustín Archaeological Park a World Heritage Site in 1995, acknowledging its outstanding cultural and historical value.
Tap to explore
The secret of the Upper Magdalena awaits you
We invite you to immerse your senses in history and discover more about one of the most fascinating cultures of pre-Columbian America.
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.