Publications
El Fuerte de Samaipata in the light of current research
Current research on El Fuerte de Samaipata, a UNESCO-listed pre-Hispanic site in Bolivia, highlights the urgent need for preservation of its deteriorating petroglyphs due to environmental and human-induced factors. The study traces the site's investigation history from colonial records to modern scholarship, emphasizing the importance of documenting and safeguarding these rock carvings. By analyzing both historical sources and contemporary studies, researchers aim to mitigate further damage while preserving Samaipata's cultural significance.
Interpretation of traces of hypothetical quincha walls in Samaipata
Computer simulations reveal that hypothetical quincha walls, likely used for structural purposes at the Fuerte de Samaipata UNESCO World Heritage Site in Bolivia, could indeed withstand the site's strong winds. The study employed 3D laser scanning and finite element method (FEM) analysis to model and assess the structural stability of these walls, which are inferred from rows of small circular holes drilled into the rock. This research challenges previous doubts about their resilience, providing new insights into the construction techniques of pre-Hispanic cultures that developed around this sacred rock over 1200 years.
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