The tiny settlement of Usgalimol (also referred to as Pansaimol) near the village of Rivona in Sanguem taluka in south Goa is host to an extraordinary site – a gallery of petroglyphs inscribed on a bed of laterite. The objects set in stone include human and animal forms, symbols, and implements. The area of interest covers approximately 60 x 30 sq. metres and is located cheek by jowl along the River Kushavati. During the monsoon season, much of it lies submerged under water.
The significance of this locale was realized only in the early 1990s. By then, navvies had begun hacking away at the laterite bed. The timely intervention of the Goa State Dept of Archives & Archaeology averted a major cultural tragedy. Look at the bottom-right in the first photograph below for the damage inflicted.
A serious study of the site awaits inauguration, but preliminary surveys have been done by, among others, the former Director of the Goa State Dept of Archives & Archaeology Dr. P.P. Shirodkar, and researchers at the National Institute of Oceanography, Goa.
Prehistoric rock art gallery in Usgalimol, Goa
5D, 24-105L
The labyrinth symbol has been found all over the world. For more on this topic, click here.
Petroglyph of a labyrinth in Usgalimol, Goa
5D, 35L
Prehistoric rock art in Usgalimol, Goa
5D, 35L
Prehistoric rock art in Usgalimol, Goa
5D, 35L
Prehistoric rock art in Usgalimol, Goa
5D, 35L
Prehistoric rock art in Usgalimol, Goa
5D, 24-105L
by Rajan P. Parrikar
2 comments
The first picture reminds me of petroglyph’s in Ontario. Ones similiar to this picture have been found near running water. The rocks are covered with turf and when a new chief was elected, he was taken to the secret site, the turf removed and he would understand the message carved in.
Funny how the meaning of the once universal symbol of the “labyrinth” is now obscure.