✨ A Picture in the Desert: Paracas Candelabra
By Shariq Ali
Valueversity
For children aged 9 to 90
Imagine a huge picture carved into the desert sand, so large that it can be seen from miles away!
Near the coast of Peru (a country in South America), there actually exists such an ancient drawing, known as the Paracas Candelabra.
✅ What is it?
It’s a special type of artwork created on the sand.
This image resembles a large candle stand or a three-branched lamp. That’s why it’s called Candelabra, which means a three-branched lamp.
✅ How big is it?
It is about 181 meters long—roughly the size of two football fields!
It’s so large that people sitting in boats on the sea can see it from as far as 20 kilometers away.
✅ How old is it?
The pottery discovered nearby suggests that this artwork was created around 200 BCE, meaning about 2,200 years ago!
At that time, the Paracas civilization lived in this area. They were known as skilled artists and textile makers.
✅ Why was it made?
No one can say for sure why it was created, but here are some popular theories:
- A marker to guide sailors at sea
- A religious or spiritual symbol
- A drawing related to the stars or astronomy
- Some jokingly say it might have been made by aliens! (But that’s just a tale!)
✅ Is it still preserved?
Yes! The government of Peru has taken special measures to protect it from damage.
Tourists can visit the area but must stay at a distance and only view it from afar.
✅ Why is it so famous?
This image is famous not only for its size and ancient history but also because it remains a mystery to this day.
Children and adults alike still wonder—what was the purpose of making such a giant drawing?
✅ Lesson to Learn:
The Paracas Candelabra teaches us that humans have always used special symbols to communicate their messages
Sometimes on stone, sometimes on paper, and sometimes even on sand!