For years, objects dating back to indigenous cultures over 2,000 years ago, as well as from the colonial and republican eras, have been identified there. This time, archaeologists discovered 17 structures, such as earth, stone, or mud walls, that reveal the lifestyles and spatial appropriation of the communities that settled in that territory after the arrival of the Spanish in 1541.

In these six spaces, fragments of ceramic vessels and other artifacts used for purposes such as salt extraction and food preparation, and cooking by the ancient settlers were found. Samples of these pieces are being investigated to determine their characteristics and mineral components; analyses are also being conducted to determine what types of plants or elements the ancestors prepared for their food and to establish their age.

The studies can take between three and four weeks. In addition, fragments of pottery, glass, and tiles were recovered that reveal the artifacts used at that time. These findings are part of the contracts executed between EPM and the Arví Park Corporation, as well as the archaeological management plan for the area. It highlights the innovation in the creation of the archaeological reference collection inventory, which includes more than 16,000 pieces, as well as a database recording stone tools and fragments of ceramic, pottery, and glass vessels, among others.

Stone tools and fragments of ceramic, pottery, and glass vessels, among others. Photo credit: City of Medellín.

This work has made it possible to identify the imprint humans have left on the landscape of Santa Elena, that remains hidden in the forest. This territory was declared a Protected Archaeological Area by the Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History in 2019 and a Site of Cultural Interest of National Character in 1998.

“We invite the community, researchers, students, and those interested in history and archaeology to visit us, write to us on our social media, and arrange guided tours with our archaeologists. Learning about our culture, our history, and how the city’s first inhabitants lived is part of the essence of being here,” said Óscar Cardona Cadavid, director of Arví Park.

As part of the public archaeology program, which seeks to inform and communicate to the local community and visitors about the rich heritage hidden in the forests of Arví, 23 educational activities have been held in recent months, including 20 archaeology workshops.

Archaeologists discovered 17 structures, such as earth, stone, or mud walls. Photo credit: City of Medellín.

The purpose is to tell attendees how an archaeologist works, the history of the area, and the most significant findings. In addition, three specialized seminars on archaeology and history will be presented, which will cover how the geological and natural landscape developed in the Aburrá Valley and the Santa Elena plateau; and how that landscape was transformed by the communities that inhabited it, among other interesting aspects. A total of 265 people were impacted by these educational activities.

The district administration invites visitors to return to Arví Park to explore ancestral routes, such as the Camino de La Cuesta, and to explore La Laguna, among other places that reveal the traces of history.
Arví Park is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Anyone can request a guided or self-guided tour to learn about the archaeological finds and experience other natural experiences the park offers.

Photo credit: City of Medellín.

According to the course description, “Despite recent gains in democracy and economic growth in the region, it still lags behind advanced economies in Europe and Asia. These traits are linked to a shared past: indigenous legacies, colonial extraction, slavery, economies based on commodities, political fragmentation, conflicts fueled by the cold war, and authoritarian regimes and rebellions against them.”

It is an interdisciplinary course that encompasses the most recent contributions in economics, economic history, political science, archeology, and other fields. There will be ten 90-minute classes (with a short break) and ten plenary talks by invited experts, spread over ten weeks.

This is an open access course. All lectures and sessions will take place via zoom. All interested to participate need to register by the day the classes commence.

The course is aimed at advanced undergraduate, master’s and doctoral students in economics, political science, history, and sociology, interested in Latin America’s economic history, development, and political economy. The online course is also well-suited for professionals in international organizations, development agencies, non-governmental organization, and development finance institutions interested in how history shapes domestic policies, foreign aid, development finance, and international investment.

Interested participants may register here.

During the preparation and construction phases, a gold nosepiece, 68 complete ceramic pieces, 20 restored ceramic pieces, 1,029 lithic pieces or stone objects and 23,000 fragments, as well as bone remains and ceramic seals have been recovered. In addition to this, the archaeology teams found 14 tombs of which 8 are in perfect condition.

With the findings it was possible to describe a sequence of occupation of several epochs spanning at least 2,000 years, from the 5th century BC to the 15th century AD. Although most of the materials belong to the Mirador period, between 1,200 and 1,500 AD.

• Among the findings there are 68 complete ceramic pieces, 1,209 stone objects and a gold nosepiece, together covering 2,000 years of human culture.
• 14 tombs have also been found, 8 of which are in perfect condition.

The entire archaeological collection was delivered for preservation and care at the Technological University of Pereira. This collection will continue to accrete any additional archaeological findings that are found by the project until the completion of the construction of the entire pipeline.

For this project, an Archaeological Management Plan was established, which includes the rescue, prior to and during construction, of the identified sites along the route of the new section.

The archaeological investigation of the area began in 2013 before beginning the construction work. Throughout the 55 km of the route, 124 sites were identified, of which 78 were excavated and were part of the archaeological rescue.

Although most of the rescue was made prior to the start of the works, during the construction and laying of the pipeline, a professional archaeology team continues accompanying the excavation and engineering workers to guarantee the protection of Colombia’s archaeological heritage.

According to Ecopetrol, he work, which is estimated to be completed later this year, is conducted subject to all the required safeguards and permits, and in compliance with environmental and archaeology standards to ensure the preservation of the territories and their surroundings.

The new section of the pipeline has an extension of 55 kilometers between Chinchiná and Pereira, passing through the municipalities of Santa Rosa de Cabal and Marseille.

“It is a work of high engineering that is developed in harmony with the environment, the care of the coffee landscape, respect for indigenous culture, the conservation of archaeological heritage and the creation of social value.” Said Ecopetrol in a statement.

Photos courtesy of Ecopetrol