Current Projects

NEW PUBLICATION BETWEEN THE ROCK AND THE SKY: ROCK ART OF CANAIMA NATIONAL PARK, VENEZUELA. FUNDACIÓN MANOA.VOL.1. MADRID.

THE MANOA PROJECT

Ever since Columbus discovered gold in Hispaniola, many early explorers embarked on quests for the precious metal. This zeal fueled the creation of one of South America’s most enduring geographical myths: the Lake Parima and the legendary city of El Dorado. The pursuit of this myth inadvertently led to the exploration and discovery of vast parts of the continent. Since 2007, the Foundation’s research has identified a location in southern Venezuela that once held a vast body of water. Along its ancient shores, evidence of an Amerindian settlement was discovered. The findings, unveiled at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in 2019, were the culmination of utilizing cutting-edge radar satellite technology. This breakthrough not only cements the Foundation’s leading role in such scientific endeavors but also sparks fresh inquiries about the early habitation of this region in South America.

THE “CANAIMA COMPLEX” PROJECT

Archaeological investigations in the Canaima region remain largely unexplored. Since 2010, The Foundation’s team has been meticulously studying several sites with rock Art, and our 2023 discoveries have revealed more pictogram sites as well as an intriguing set of petroglyphs near the Caroni River, all within the Canaima area vicinity. These new archaeological findings, nestled in the Canaima National Park and collectively termed the “Canaima Complex,” are yet to gain widespread academic attention. It’s essential to highlight that pictogram-bearing archaeological sites in Venezuela are few. Most such sites present only a limited number of designs. However, our new investigations within the Canaima National Park suggest not only a significant contribution to Venezuela’s archaeological rock art database, but also notable parallels in style with other rock art found in northern South America. The project aims to study, disseminate and protect the Canaima complex by recognizing its relevance as a Venezuelan and World Heritage Site.

ARCHIPELAGO DE AVES PROJECT

In May 1678, the formidable French military fleet under Louis XIV experienced a significant setback when 12 of its ships were grounded in the Aves archipelago. Owing to the diligent efforts of the Foundation, we now understand that this shipwreck ranks among the world’s most substantial maritime losses in history. Since 1998, this site has been under meticulous study, and we are in the process of producing publications and audiovisual content to share our findings. Notably, our recent field explorations have led us to the discovery of new archaeological sites, presumably belonging to both the French and pirates. These individuals, after their ships met a similar fate on the island, found themselves residing there for about a month. The forthcoming excavations promise to be monumental for Caribbean archaeology. They aim to unveil activities that stood at the precipice of altering the region’s history, activities that foreshadowed the Caribbean’s golden age of piracy. This epoch began with Francisco Granmont’s, one of the stranded pirates on the shipwreck, who raided on Maracaibo, which occurred just a month after the Aves shipwreck in June 1678.

THE SALT WAR PROJECT

Since the landmark year of 1492, salt emerged as a prime natural commodity that Europeans ardently pursued, initially in the Caribbean and subsequently across the New World. Within colonial-era chronicles, the significance of salt is underscored, standing shoulder to shoulder with gold, pearls, and silver. Spearheaded by “The Salt War”, a historical archaeology initiative, we aim to shed light on the martial conflicts triggered by the fervent exploitation of natural salt pans in the Province of Venezuela. This tug-of-war for resources saw the Dutch and English clashing with the Spanish in strategic locales such as Araya, Unare, and La Tortuga throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. In this endeavor, the Foundation’s excavations at these sites have unveiled findings that have captivated global experts. However, more studies are necessary before these discoveries can be formally introduced to the academic world and the general public.

THE PARAGUACHOA COMPLEX PROJECT

On August 15, 1492, Christopher Columbus set foot on an island which the indigenous people named Paraguachoa. Today, we recognize it as Margarita, named in tribute to Archduchess Margaret of Austria. By 1500, Margarita boasted numerous settlements, drawing significant attention due to its coveted pearls. However, long before the Spanish explorers made their mark, Amerindians inhabited the island, leaving behind a significant lithic legacy. This ancient deposit holds considerable importance both nationally and internationally, standing out for its uniqueness. Currently, the Manoa Foundation is delving into a rich collection of lithic artifacts from the western part of the island. This trove includes an array of arrow points, hand axes, scrapers, and other stone tools. We are eagerly preparing for the publication of our findings, especially given the scarcity of archaeological data in this domain.

THE ISLA FAJARDO PROJECT

In 1498, Christopher Columbus became the first European to glimpse the mouths of the Orinoco River. Later, adventurers like Diego de Ordaz and Alfonso de Herrera would navigate its waters between 1531-35. The allure of El Dorado drew others such as Antonio de Berrio and Walter Raleigh to its depths towards the end of the 16th century. Notably, it was Diego de Ordaz who established Santo Tome de Guayana around 1532 near the Caroní river’s mouth, opposite Isla Fajardo. However, persistent conflicts with the indigenous Caribs and the nearby missions prompted the governor of Guayana, Carlos Sucre, to undertake defensive measures around 1730. These actions aimed to shield the settlements along the Orinoco and the missions, which included discussions about fortifying the Orinoco River. The question became: fortify Angostura or Isla Fajardo? Ultimately, defenses were erected at Angostura. Nevertheless, research conducted by the Foundation revealed foundation remnants of a fort on Isla Fajardo. Plans for this fort were later discovered in the Archive of the Indies, aligning strikingly with the archaeological findings on the island.

THE GUIRIOR PROJECT

Between 1772 and 1775, Governor Manuel Centurión of Guyana organized three expeditions deep into Guyana in pursuit of Lake Parime. These expeditions inadvertently ignited tensions with the Portuguese, who were advancing from the central Amazon, similarly lured by tales of a golden lagoon. Centurión’s exploration strategy involved establishing intermediate towns to facilitate easier access to Guyana’s interior. Among these proposed settlements, the “City of Guirior” stands out. While historical sources and maps reference its existence, archaeological evidence has remained elusive. This absence prompted the Foundation to initiate a thorough investigation in search of Guirior’s remnants. Recent radar satellite data from the German Aerospace Center (DLR) has identified a promising site near the upper Paragua river, potentially pinpointing the location of the ancient Guirior settlement.

When you join the Fundacion Manoa, you’ll be joining a group of individuals passionate about archaeology, protecting the world’s cultural heritage, and disseminating archaeological research.