La Lindosa excavation: A Community Effort
Explore the dynamic relationship between people, place, and the cultural heritage of La Lindosa.
By University of Antioquia
Francisco Javier Aceituno
Community Meeting (2017-08)University of Antioquia
Introducing the Project
The La Lindosa excavation project was presented to the Raudal community in August 2017. This marks the beginning of a collaborative effort to protect and understand this important cultural heritage.
Local communities leading the way (2017)University of Antioquia
The hosts of the jungle
The future of rock art and the natural environment that protects them, is in the hands of local communities. That's why we say that the paintings need the people and the people need the paintings. Here we can see José Noé with his children at the Cerro Azul excavation in 2017.
From Coca to Caves
Coca cultivation, once very common in this area, has now given way to other landscapes, like the one that is growing around the cave paintings. These have permeated the lives of local communities.
The Power of Local Knowledge
Edgar Osorio, alias ‘el barbas’, one of the best guides in the Serranía de La Lindosa, is a friend of the Last Journey team. Here he demonstrates how to make fire with wooden sticks. For archaeologists, local knowledge is key to interpreting archaeological finds.
Yurany loading up the vanUniversity of Antioquia
Yurany: A Vital Link
There is no one like Yurany to transport the archaeologists along the roads of La Lindosa. The transporters are our allies, without them it would be impossible to maintain a field campaign.
Local hospitalityUniversity of Antioquia
Home in the jungle: José Noé's house
José Noé's house has become a point of reference for all scientists visiting Cerro Azul. The affectionately named ‘crazy farm’ of La Lindosa is a place full of hospitality and fantastic stories.
Building Partnerships: Community Engagement
The local communities are committed to the archaeological work that has been carried out in recent years. They work as guides, field assistants and as local teachers, with expert knowledge of the jungle.
Archaeologist José Iriarte, navigating the Guayabero River (2017)University of Antioquia
Guayabero River: A Lifeline
The Guayabero River serves as a vital waterway in the Amazon, connecting communities and carrying the weight of history. The journey upriver in El Barbas' canoe raises questions about the river's role in the arrival of early settlers.
Our work in La Lindosa wouldn't be possible without the vital knowledge and collaboration of local experts. This photo shows a visit to an ancient rock shelter with guides William and Norbey in March 2022.
A Team of Many Talents (2021-11)University of Antioquia
La Lindosa has become the starting point for archaeologists and scientists from many parts of the world.
Reviewing the Discoveries of the Day (2022-11)University of Antioquia
Jungle times
Fieldwork is not just prospecting and digging. You also have to review the work done every day.
Last Journey Team and Local Community Leaders (2021-11)University of Antioquia
Part of the success of the Last Journey project has been the cooperation and integration with, and the support of, the local communities.
