Due to its artistic and historical value, Paracas' Candelabra Cultural Landscape in Ica region was declared a National Cultural Heritage by Peru's Culture Ministry.
Said recognition also owes to the enigma surrounding the geoglyph's origin, as well as its role in local, regional and national identity.
The declaration was made through Vice-Ministerial Resolution N° 162-2016-VMPCIC-MC, dated December 29, 2016.
The emblematic design covers an area of around 170 meters and has an average depth of 1.2 meters.
Thought to date back to 200 B.C., the Candelabra's well-preserved state owes to its location: the nitrous atmosphere in the hill acts as a binder, compressing and hardening the sand surrounding the geoglyph. Likewise, Paracas' strong winds regularly remove any excess sand from its canals, keeping lines well-defined.
Locally known as the "Trident," the Candelabra's origin, age —and thus purpose— remain unknown, providing it a distinctive and unique value.
Not only is it recognized by locals as part of their cultural legacy, the candlestick figure also serves as a reference for local fishing and is among the region's main landmarks.
This first Cultural Landscape declaration marks a major milestone for Peru’s national cultural heritage management, recognizing man-territory cultural dynamics.
(END) NDP/MAO/DHT/MVB