Llanos de Moxos: Unveiling the Cultural and Ecological Riches of the Amazonian Savanna

The Llanos de Moxos, located in the Beni Department of northern Bolivia, is one of South America's most significant archaeological regions, offering an unparalleled window into the lives of pre-Columbian societies that thrived in the tropical savanna. Spanning an expansive 128,000 square kilometers (49,400 square miles), the Llanos de Moxos, known as the Beni Savanna, is the third-largest savanna complex in South America. What sets this region apart is its vastness and the extraordinary density of archaeological sites within the Amazon basin, revealing a sophisticated history of landscape engineering and agricultural innovation.

Archaeological Significance and Discovery

The Llanos de Moxos is renowned for its role as a center of pre-Columbian agriculture and early plant domestication. The significance of this region was brought to light in the 1960s when petroleum company geologists and geographer William Denevan identified extensive prehistoric earthworks. This discovery marked a turning point in understanding the rich cultural heritage of the Llanos de Moxos, shedding light on the advanced engineering capabilities of its ancient inhabitants.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Llanos de Moxos is the extensive landscape modification carried out by its early inhabitants. A comprehensive study by the University of Bern uncovered a fascinating landscape engineering project that began approximately 10,850 years ago. This ambitious endeavor involved the creation of around 4,700 artificial "forest islands" within the vast, treeless, and seasonally flooded savannah. These forest islands and other earthworks demonstrate the ancient ingenuity and adaptability of the people who lived in the Llanos de Moxos.

The Ingenious Earthworks of the Llanos de Moxos

The Llanos de Moxos is adorned with a diverse array of earthworks, each reflecting the advanced engineering skills of its ancient inhabitants. These earthworks include monumental mounds, raised agricultural fields, natural and constructed forest islands, canals, causeways, ring ditches, and fish weirs. These features were not merely functional but also indicative of a deep understanding of the local environment and the ability to manipulate it for agricultural and societal needs.

One of the key elements of landscape engineering in the Llanos de Moxos was the strategic use of natural lagoons, which were formed by oxbow lakes. These lagoons were interconnected by an intricate canal network that linked them with major rivers such as the Rio Mamoré. This network facilitated transportation and communication and served as a crucial irrigation system, allowing the inhabitants to sustain agriculture in the challenging environment of the Amazonian savanna.

Similar earthworks have been identified along other major South American rivers, including the Paraná, Paraguay, and Amazon rivers, which suggests that the ancient civilizations of the Llanos de Moxos were part of a broader network of interconnected societies that shared knowledge and technologies across the continent.

Agricultural Practices and Crop Domestication

The agricultural practices of the Llanos de Moxos were both innovative and highly effective, enabling the region's inhabitants to thrive in an environment that was both seasonally flooded and prone to drought. The ancient inhabitants adopted staple crops such as manioc, squash, and maize, which were well-suited to the local conditions. Genetic studies have shown that the domesticated crops in the Llanos de Moxos are closely related to their wild counterparts in the region, suggesting that these plants were domesticated locally.

The raised agricultural fields, known as "camellones," were a key feature of the agricultural landscape in the Llanos de Moxos. These fields were elevated above the surrounding floodplains, allowing them to remain productive even during the wet season. The fields were separated by canals that served as irrigation channels and fish traps, providing a diverse and sustainable food source for the local population.

Cultural Practices and Artifacts

In addition to their agricultural achievements, the ancient inhabitants of the Llanos de Moxos were skilled artisans and cultural practitioners. They crafted intricately decorated pottery and woven cotton cloth and engaged in distinctive burial practices. One of the most notable burial customs involved interring the dead in large urns, often placed within the artificial mounds that dot the landscape.

The pottery of the Llanos de Moxos is particularly significant, as it provides valuable insights into the cultural and artistic traditions of the region's ancient societies. The pottery is often decorated with intricate patterns and motifs, reflecting the complex social and religious beliefs of the people who created them.

A Biocultural Landscape of 10,000 Years

The human presence in the Llanos de Moxos spans an impressive 10,000 years, resulting in a biocultural landscape that reflects the deep and enduring interaction between the people and their natural environment. The construction efforts in the region, which date from approximately 8850 BCE to 1450 CE, highlight the remarkable legacy of human innovation within the heart of the Amazonian savanna.

This legacy is visible not only in the earthworks and artifacts left behind by the ancient inhabitants but also in the ongoing cultural practices of the Indigenous communities that continue to live in the region today. These communities maintain a deep connection to the land and the traditions of their ancestors, preserving the cultural heritage of the Llanos de Moxos for future generations.

Conclusion

The Llanos de Moxos is a testament to the ingenuity and adaptability of the ancient societies that once thrived in the heart of the Amazonian savanna. Through their advanced engineering, innovative agricultural practices, and rich cultural traditions, the inhabitants of the Llanos de Moxos transformed the landscape into a complex and sustainable ecosystem that supported their way of life for millennia. Today, the Llanos de Moxos stands as a vital archaeological and cultural region, offering valuable insights into the history of pre-Columbian South America and the enduring relationship between humans and their environment.