Werehpai
Four hundred kilometers south of Paramaribo is situated the native village of Kwamalasamutu. It numbers about 800 inhabitants from not less than 12 different tribes. Kwamalasamutu, which means 'bamboo sand' was established in the 1960's. A school was build in the new settlement and several tribes joined the settlement and Kwamalasamutu grew into one of the largest combined Amerindian villages where mainly Trio- and Wai-Wai Amerindians live in tribal relationship. In 2000 petroglyphs were found in the nearby cave of Werehpai.
Kwamalasamutu
In the year 2000 Kwamalasamutu became the focus of attention when a very special discovery was made in the immediate environment. A Trio Amerindian named Kamanja had lost his dog during the hunt. While looking for the dog he encountered an enormous rock formation and while he entered it through a caverne he discovered numerous rock drawings that later tuned out to be petroglyphs, symbols used to write.
Rock drawings
The Foundation 'Suriname Museum' and the American Smithsonian Institute were mobilized. A team of researchers was assembled and from that moment on the caves of Werehpai, as het rock formation is called, were quietly subjected to a thorough investigation. Only in March of 2008 the caves were officially opened to the public. Until now a number of the rock drawings have been identified and what can be distinguished are illustrations of animals, human-like figures, people with animal heads or head from strange beings, decapitated bodies and other complex illustrations. To the question of who made the drawings and why, no answer has been found yet. It can be stated though that the Werehpai petroglyphs are dated 5000 to 7000 years back and are one to the most impressive and extraordinary archeological discoveries in the world.
Granman
Those who decide to make a trip to Werehpai will experience more than seeing the mysterious rock paintings. The reception is heartily unaffected. Immediately after landing the visitors are greeted by native youngsters in traditional garb. Naturally a visit to the village chief, the granman, is not missing and in his residence he welcomes guest wholeheartedly. The village has a few things to offer as well. There is the possibility of participating in a crash course of bow and arrow shooting, listening to music from a flute made out of the bones from a deer. Or a look can be taken in the kitchen where cassava bread is being made. A visit a to genuine shaman clinic is possible.
Suma Rain Forest Lodge
Kwamalasamutu has no accommodation. For that a 15 minute boat trip down the river to the Iwana Samu Rain Forest Lodge must be made. This accommodation, consisting of two separate buildings, is equipped with six double bedrooms with sanitary accommodations and a comfortabel shower. Breakfast, lunch and diner are served. In the evening a camp fire. In order to reach the caves of Werehpai, another boat trip must be made. It takes about twenty minutes to sail from the lodge to the entrance of the jungle trail. The hike will take approximately 2 1/2 hours through the virgin jungle. The hike is generously rewarded. When you arrive at the entrance of the caverns and the guide take you inside, the mysterious traces of an ancient civilization going back more than 5000 years is reveled to you.
About Me
Since July 2018 I started this blog for information about Suriname. Some contributions are from guests of my resort, Kekemba Resort Paramaribo. For the moment the blog is only in english.
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