Important announcement - Save Peru's sacred temple - the first traces of ceremonial cacao <3

Huaca Montegrande – a significant archaeological site

Huaca Montegrande is a significant archaeological site located in the high Amazon jungle in the Jaén Province, Cajamarca Region of Peru. This site, which has been the subject of archaeological excavations and anthropological studies for 14 years, is Peru's oldest temple and provides insight into an advanced Peruvian society in the Amazon during pre-Columbian times.

The world's oldest traces of cacao

At Montegrande, the oldest known traces of beverages made from Theobroma cacao have been discovered inside the temple, with cacao residues carbon-dated to be 6,000 years old. This makes it the oldest known origin of cacao on the planet today, older than the pyramids of Egypt and Mesopotamia, and it holds the key to understanding humanity's earliest spiritual connection to cacao. The study rewrites history and reveals an entire civilization that was previously unknown.

The Marañon civilization and its spiritual connection to cacao

The Marañon civilization, which has been discovered, flourished as an advanced society 3,000 years before the Inca and Nazca cultures. Evidence of spirituality, agriculture, architecture, a cosmovision, art, and rich culture was found inside the temple. Huaca Montegrande was the spiritual center of worship for the Marañon community. What did they revere? Cacao. The artifacts in the temple all feature a cacao motif – ceramics, stone sculptures, jewelry, and bone carvings.

A living link between past and present

Genetic testing has confirmed that the cacao found inside the temple is the same precise variant as the ancient cacao trees still growing above ground today. These trees are a living link between the past and present, and it is important to protect them.

The temple as a symbol of rebirth

Huaca Montegrande was designed in the form of a woman giving birth, with the womb represented as a spiral. The spiral also represents Amaru (the serpent) and Ukhu Pacha (the underworld), which is the connection to the ancestors.

The direction of the spiral is also important, as its shape is constructed counter-clockwise, which is believed to be a representation of a backward movement through time, depicting the concept not of birth, but of rebirth.

In the center of the spiral, a tomb of a person was found, buried with vessels containing cacao. From this, it can be understood that cacao is central to the rebirth process, and that the spiral acts as a portal to the next life for the Chinchipe people.

Huaca Montegrande in danger

Peru's oldest temple and the origin of cacao are in crisis and need support from the cacao community. The Montegrande archaeological site, one of Peru's most significant historical sites and the origin of the world's oldest known traces of domesticated cacao, is at immediate risk of closure due to lack of funding.

The need for further research

More research is needed to fully understand the messages contained within the temple site and its artifacts. Therefore, it is essential that the project can continue so that this incredible discovery of ancient civilizations can be preserved and studied.

The preservation of Huaca Montegrande

Led by archaeologist Dr. Quirino Olivera, the Peruvian non-profit organization ASICAMPE is dedicated to preserving this invaluable heritage. However, the Huaca Montegrande project is currently facing a critical funding crisis that threatens to halt this essential work.

Just as the surrounding Amazon rainforest requires protection, so does Huaca Montegrande. The site is a living temple of life, where science, nature, and spirituality intersect. With support, the study, restoration, and preservation of Huaca Montegrande's current ecological and cultural landscape can continue.

The consequences of closure

If the excavations cease and the site closes, the opportunity to learn from Montegrande's ancient relics and ongoing discoveries could be lost forever. According to Peruvian law, to protect national heritage, the site would have to be reburied. Despite the site's national significance, international academic recognition, and documentary attention, the archaeological team has faced severe financial constraints, jeopardizing the continuation of their work.

The fundraising campaign to save Montegrande

In response to this crisis, ASICAMPE has partnered with the 501c3 Abundant Earth Foundation to launch an urgent fundraising campaign. The goal is to raise USD 50,000 to keep the excavation going and preserve Montegrande's invaluable cultural heritage, as well as secure its future recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Donations can be made directly through the Abundant Earth Foundation's website. Any contribution, no matter the size, will make a difference in preserving this ancient treasure for future generations.

To learn more about Huaca Montegrande and its significance, you can watch this video:

Help Save Monte Grande - The World's Oldest Cacao Temple in Peru