In the desolate reaches of Peru’s Pisco Valley, a peculiar mystery etches itself across of rugged plateau. This intriguing “Band of Holes” consists of thousands of man-made holes carved into the earth, forming a band that stretches over a mile across the rugged terrain. Discovered from the air, these enigmatic formations spark a flurry of questions: Who made them? For what purpose? And why in such a remote, inhospitable landscape?This has captivated the imaginations of archaeologists and travelers alike, sparking a multitude of theories and debates about its origins and purpose.
First discovery of the hole band
The first discovery of the Hole Band in Peru dates back to 1933 when aviator Robert Shippee inadvertently stumbled upon this enigmatic archaeological wonder during an aerial expedition. It wasn’t until Shippee’s striking aerial photograph was published in National Geographic that the world became aware of the mysterious band of holes etched into the Peruvian landscape. However, it took another two decades for the significance of these formations to be fully realized.
In 1953, Victor Wolfgang von Hagen conducted a comprehensive survey of the area, unveiling the true extent and potential significance of the Hole Band. This initial discovery sparked widespread intrigue and scholarly interest, marking the beginning of a journey to unravel the secrets concealed within this ancient enigma.
The unique shape of the holes
In an article on Ancient Origins, archaeologist William James Veall said that the hole strip has remarkable features. About 7,000 holes were carved into the rock bed in rows up to 20 m wide, with each row having about 9-12 holes. The holes have an average diameter of about half a meter, arranged horizontally in an almost perfectly straight line, others are staggered. Like the Nazca Lines, the unique and calculated shape of the crater strip can only be fully appreciated when looking at aerial photos.
The shape of each hole is also different. There are pits with a brick-shaped structure, which can be up to 2-3 m deep. Some holes are quite shallow, have wide edges and are usually no more than 30 cm deep. At the southern end of the mysterious hole range are two holes up to 24 m in diameter, filled with crushed rocks. This led Veall to believe that a short distance away there might exist at least half a dozen holes of similar size.
Theories abound regarding the origins and purpose of the Band of Holes.
Numerous theories have emerged to explain the origins and purpose of the Band of Holes in Peru, each offering a different perspective on this enigmatic archaeological marvel.
Agricultural Theory: Some scholars suggest the holes might have been used for storing grain or other goods, perhaps as a form of ancient pantry. Others propose they could have been part of a sophisticated irrigation system designed to collect or channel water in this dry region.
Military Theory: Another theory posits that the holes served a military purpose, perhaps as foxholes or part of a larger defensive network.
Ceremonial or Astronomical Theory: The most intriguing theories link the holes to ceremonial uses or astronomical purposes. They might have aligned with celestial events or served as part of ritual practices, although clear evidence is lacking.
A message from aliens: In particular, one view is that those mysterious holes could be a message from aliens to humans. If we can decode that message, we can know the messages sent by extraterrestrial creatures. When the message is successfully decoded, the two civilizations can meet and come into contact with each other.
The Band of Holes in Peru’s Pisco Valley stands as a captivating enigma, a testament to the ingenuity of an ancient culture. Like an unsolved puzzle, the Band of Holes fuels our imagination and beckons us to unlock the secrets of the past. This enduring mystery serves as a reminder that much about our history remains unknown, waiting to be unearthed and understood. As technology advances and more resources possibly become available, perhaps one day we will unlock the story behind these perplexing depressions in the Peruvian desert.
