The monkey from El Catazho - magical and mysterious

This illustration of an ape-like figure draws inspiration from the Catazho rock carvings of the Ecuadorian Amazon. The area is known for its 123 rock carvings, many of which are shrouded in mystery, both in terms of their origin and significance. The petroglyphs, believed to date from around 3000 BC, are believed to have been created by early indigenous cultures who may have had a connection with the ancestors of the Shuar people.

The monkey on which this illustration is based is part of this rich cultural landscape. Although we still lack concrete information about the figure's precise role, it may have had both religious and practical significance in an area where monkeys were widespread.