Our ancestors have left an important legacy as a cultural heritage that we must protect, “It is our baggage in the present and the inheritance that we will leave to future generations so that they can learn, marvel and enjoy it” is the definition given by the UNESCO in 1998 “Heritage”. This eco-park is definitely leaving a print in the world.
And because of this reason, there is larger importance of highlighting our cultural wealth, the wealth that remains in oblivion.
The Colombian mountains
This is the case of some Colombian mountains that keep prehistoric artistic expressions as heritage treasures.
By this, we mean the known rock art that includes photography, petroglyphs, and sculptures made in caves or rocks, and which is the closest to the pre-writing symbols.
One of these cultural riches is found in Cubsio, a place close to the Colombian capital, where the Muiscas is believed to have lived and where indigenous groups from Bojacá and Serrezuela met.
A group of heritage watchers has been concerned with the preservation and protection of these prehistoric rocks.
They remain intact but over time have lost their historical essence among the settlers, apparently, not all are aware of its significance and cultural value.
The Ecopark
We spoke with iYoli Cubillos, heritage watch woman of what since 2014 has become the Ecoparque (eco-park), a patrimonial protection mechanism.
She told us all the efforts made to showcase the historical legacy that represents the Tequendama region.
And that the new generations are taught how to preserve their cultural wealth.
Through dynamically focused workshops for children and adults, Ecoparque Cubsio intends to make an impression on every visitor.
They work with clay, pre-Colombian ceramics, and other materials that allow pigmentation on rocks as our ancestors did.
Likewise, workshops that leave an environmental conservation message. This creates the need to protect and enhance knowledge about rock art.
According to Samuel León, graphic and workshop designer at Ecoparque Cubsio, there are 30 rocks from 100 registered with the Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History (ICANH).
The rocks in Cubsio, the municipality of San Antonio del Tequendama, have petroglyphs and pictographs, there are around 250 rocks with rock art.
Despite the fact that archaeologists and anthropologists from recognized universities in the country, such as La Nacional, La Distrital, and the University of Antioquia, have done the research and scientific projects in the region, they have not left records of their findings that contribute to the cultural growth of those who reside in the place; to which its inhabitants make a call to be taken into account.
Concluding
Added to this, “The panorama in Colombia is discouraging since little is known about the subject. There have been work of government-sponsored registration but have really been few enough feature professional”, so says Samuel Leon who expects the rock art scene ub Colombia to improve.
In any country, if there is rock art that has not yet been protected, the invitation is to be part of the select group of heritage watchers who oversee the conservation of these cultural resources and bring identity to our people by giving an example of Entrepreneurship and love for our own.
For the Colombian Ministry of Culture, it is important that there be groups of volunteers who, based on their creativity, imagination, and management, propose the development of activities aimed at the social appropriation of heritage and respect for cultural diversity, with a focus on time, work and talent.
