Two Sites in Western Bolivar, Venezuela

Abstract

The site of Cedefio is on the south bank of the Orinoco River, approximately 1 km. northeast of the boat landing area of the town of Caicara. The Orinoco at Cedeño is marked by a series of boulders that reach, from the south bank, 100 meters or more into the river. These are uncovered during the summer (dry season) and contain petroglyphs in the form of spirals, mazes and other figures. The river at this point is marked by vertical banks 3-5 meters high. The top of the vertical bank represents the usual high-water mark of the Orinoco; beyond this bank is a more or less level stretch of mixed fields and woodland. The river banks extend in two stages to a sloping river beach. As the water level of the Orinoco varies 10 meters or more between wet and dry season, this beach is above water for a considerable distance during dry weather.