Located between the El Purutal Hill and the Northwest slope of the La Pelota
Hill, this archeological site is constituted by two monumental areas of the
Regional Classic Period, each one with an artificial funerary mound built over
natural rises connected by an artificial embankment approximately 230 m long.
The area of El Purutal was partially excavated in 1984 by Julio César Cubillos
and has three structures: a tomb and two “shrines” or dolmens, each one made
by one slab structure and including a polychrome sculpture.
The visitor finds in El Purutal four statues. Two of them, located in situ,
have retained until recently the polychrome painting that at some time all the
principal statues had.
In La Pelota, 150 m east, there are three sculptures that have been moved 80 m
from their original place, where there are still the remains of a low mound.
In 1857, Agustín Codazzi described in this place four statues associated to a
“shrine” or funerary slab structure that was already destroyed by looters.
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La Pelota
The La Pelota site is one of the lesser-known but
deeply evocative locations within the San Agustín Archaeological Park in
Colombia. Though modest in size, it holds unique significance due to its
preservation of original color on some statues—an extremely rare feature
among pre-Columbian stone sculptures.
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La Pelota is one of the few sites where statues still retain traces of
their original paint, offering a rare glimpse into how these
sculptures may have looked when first created.
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Located near El Purutal, La Pelota is nestled in a more secluded area,
surrounded by lush natural scenery. This isolation adds to its
mystical atmosphere and makes it a peaceful spot for reflection.
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The site contains only a couple of statues, but their artistic and
symbolic value is immense. One notable statue depicts an eagle
grasping a serpent, a powerful image that may symbolize dominance,
transformation, or spiritual power.
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Unlike many statues that have been relocated, the sculptures at La
Pelota remain in situ, meaning they are still in their original
archaeological context, which enhances their interpretive value.
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While La Pelota is not as expansive as other sites like Mesita A or
Alto de los Ídolos, it’s a valuable complement to them—especially for
those interested in the artistic techniques and symbolic language of
the San Agustín culture.
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The presence of mythological and animal motifs, such as birds of prey
and serpents, reflects the cosmological beliefs of the San Agustín
people.
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The use of color and detailed carving techniques at La Pelota provides
insight into the aesthetic sophistication and ritual practices of this
ancient civilization.
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El Purutal
The El Purutal site is a captivating and unique
part of the San Agustín Archaeological Park in Colombia, known
especially for its vividly painted statues—a rare and invaluable glimpse
into the original appearance of pre-Columbian sculpture.
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El Purutal is one of the only sites in the San Agustín complex where
statues still retain traces of their original paint, primarily in red,
yellow, and black. This offers rare insight into the aesthetic choices
and symbolic use of color by the San Agustín culture.
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The two main statues at the site are often interpreted as representing
life and death, a duality central to the spiritual worldview of the
culture. One figure is serene and nurturing, while the other is fierce
and possibly associated with the underworld.
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The statues remain in their original archaeological context, which
enhances their authenticity and interpretive value.
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The site is surrounded by lush vegetation and overlooks a beautiful
landscape, adding to its mystical and contemplative atmosphere.
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The use of color and detailed carving techniques at El Purutal provide
a rare look at the artistic sophistication of the San Agustín culture.
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The statues’ expressions, postures, and symbolic elements reflect a
complex cosmology, likely involving ancestor worship, shamanism, and
beliefs about the afterlife.
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For archaeologists and visitors alike, El Purutal offers a tangible
connection to how these sculptures may have originally
appeared—bridging the gap between ancient intention and modern
perception.
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See Also
Source
Location
Neiva
San Agustín Archaeological Park
Alto de las Piedras Archaeological Park
Alto de los Idolos Archaeological Park