By Carlos Valdez (
Reuters
) via
NBC News
The discovery of a hundred new designs on Peru's Nazca plain could shed valuable light on the mysterious pre-Columbian works of art that have intrigued and fascinated scientists and visitors alike for decades.
After two years of field studies using aerial photography and drones, Peruvian and Japanese researchers from Yamagata University announced earlier this month the discovery of 168 new designs at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in the Peru's southern Pacific coast, about a three-hour drive from the capital, Lima.
The Nazca Lines, in Peru.AGF/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
The geoglyphs, huge figures carved in the South American desert, date back more than 2,000 years and represent humans, felines, snakes, orcas, native birds and camelids, animals such as llamas, guanacos and alpacas.
Jorge Olano, chief archaeologist of the Nazca Lines research program, explained that the new figures have an average length of between two and six meters (between six and 20 feet).
The purpose of the Nazca lines, which can only be seen from the air, remains a mystery.
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The new finds are smaller and can be seen from the ground, Masato Sakai, a professor at Yamagata University who led the study, told the Reuters news agency.
Since 2004, researchers had already discovered 190 figures in the area.
But the vastness of the terrain on which they lie has complicated efforts to study and conserve the heritage.
Yamagata University said the research will be used in studies based on artificial intelligence to help inform conservation of the lines.
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The discoveries, in which the Peruvian government has participated, have helped to define and protect the area, which faces threats from urban and economic development.
“Some geoglyphs are in danger of being destroyed due to the recent expansion of mining-related workshops in the archaeological park,” Sakai warned.